What happened: Hemant Soren announced Jharkhand’s plan to oppose the MMDR Amendment Bill, 2026
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said Jharkhand will oppose the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 (MMDR Bill, 2026) through “democratic, constitutional and legal” processes. Soren made the statement while speaking at a meeting of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) central committee in Ranchi.
Soren’s stated reasons for opposing the MMDR Bill, 2026 included the following points:
Alleged lack of consultation: Soren alleged that the Union government passed the MMDR Bill, 2026 without consulting States.Potential adverse impact on vulnerable groups: Soren said proposed changes to the existing MMDR framework could adversely affect tribal communities, Dalits, poor people, farmers and labourers.Compensation question: Soren questioned how expected losses from the MMDR Bill, 2026 changes would be compensated and alleged that the Union government appears unlikely to compensate even for past losses.Centre–State sensitivity claim: Soren alleged that the Union government shows more sensitivity and accountability to developed States and shows “no empathy” toward adivasis (tribal communities), Dalits and backward classes.Strategy: Soren said the matter would remain under discussion to shape future strategy.
Bill status and policy direction referenced in the discussion
The discussion states that Parliament passed the MMDR Bill, 2026 on August 13. The MMDR Bill, 2026 is described as aiming to restrict States’ powers to levy taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands.