Jharkhand News : Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has criticized the Centre over changes to the mining and minerals law, saying the move could have the biggest impact on mineral-rich states like Jharkhand. Speaking after the extended central committee meeting of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Thursday, Soren said it was not appropriate to pass mining-related legislation without consulting the state government.
The meeting was held at Sohrai Bhawan in Harmu, Ranchi, and was chaired by Hemant Soren. After the meeting, he said the Centre was continuously taking decisions that affect not only state governments but also citizens across the country.
Soren Stresses States’ Rights
Hemant Soren said policies related to natural resources should be framed while keeping the rights and interests of states in mind. He said Jharkhand had been moving rapidly on the path of development over the past few years.
The Chief Minister said the state government was advancing several welfare schemes and development projects for the people. Against this backdrop, he said changes in mining and mineral laws could affect the interests of Jharkhand.
Soren Refers to Rs 1.36 Lakh Crore
Soren referred to an amount of Rs 1.36 lakh crore while questioning the Centre’s policies. He alleged that the objective of the Centre’s policies was not to make states economically stronger but to make them dependent.
He said such policies were being formulated in a way that prevented states from becoming financially self-reliant.
Mineral Resources Crucial to Jharkhand
Hemant Soren said mineral resources play an important role in Jharkhand’s economy and employment opportunities. He said changes in the law could directly affect the state’s revenue, development schemes and the common people.
He made it clear that Jharkhand would not step back from protecting its rights and interests. Soren said the struggle over the issue would continue and that the state would fight democratically for its interests.
JMM Leaders Attend Meeting
JMM MPs Vijay Hansda, Mahua Maji and Nalin Soren attended the meeting. Legislators Prof. Stephen Marandi, Hemlal Murmu, Kalpana Soren and Vinod Pandey were also present, along with other party leaders.
