JMM announces statewide stir against MMDR amendment bill
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, August 23: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has announced a statewide agitation against the Mines and Minerals…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, August 23: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has announced a statewide agitation against the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, with a public awareness campaign across all 24 districts followed by one-day dharnas at every block headquarters.
According to an office order issued by the JMM Central Committee, the Jan-Jagran Abhiyan will continue until August 31, while the block-level dharnas will be held on September 7. Party functionaries at the district and local levels have been directed to ensure the programmes are implemented effectively.
Notably, Chief Minister and JMM executive president Hemant Soren has described the proposed amendment as a threat to Jharkhand’s rights over its mineral resources and the state’s financial interests.
Soren has questioned the Centre’s move to restrict states’ powers relating to taxation of mineral rights and mineral-bearing land, arguing that mineral-rich states should have a greater say in decisions affecting their resources.
“Minerals belong to Jharkhand, land belongs to Jharkhand, so why should Delhi decide on our rights and entitlements?” Soren has said, describing the legislation as a “black bill”.
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Concern over mining revenue
Soren has also warned that changes affecting state revenues from minerals could have a direct impact on Jharkhand’s development and welfare programmes.
According to the State Economic Survey 2025-26, mining revenue accounted for 84.9% of Jharkhand’s own non-tax revenue in 2024-25. Soren has argued that any reduction in mineral revenue could affect the state’s ability to fund welfare programmes and meet the social and environmental costs associated with mining.
He has also raised concerns over the interests of tribal and other communities living in mining-affected areas, saying decisions concerning mineral resources should be taken with the affected states and communities in confidence.
JMM takes issue to grassroots
The JMM’s campaign will begin with public outreach across all 24 districts, aimed at explaining to people what the party considers the adverse implications of the proposed amendment.
This will be followed by one-day dharnas at all block headquarters on September 7.
Soren has said Jharkhand will oppose the legislation through democratic, constitutional and legal means.
The JMM’s decision to take the issue to the grassroots marks the beginning of a wider political campaign centred on Jharkhand’s mineral rights, fiscal interests and federal powers.
