Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday (August 13, 2026) strongly opposed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which has been passed by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Lok Sabha passed the Bill on Wednesday (August 12, 2026), while the Rajya Sabha passed the Bill on Thursday (August 13, 2026), with Rajya Sabha’s approval, the legislative process is complete. The Bill will become law after it receives the President’s assent.

Also Read | Parliament passes Bill curbing States’ control over minerals

The Bill seeks to restrict States’ powers to levy taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands.

Sharing a post on social media account X Mr. Soren said, “Jharkhand will launch such a massive movement that the entire nation will witness. Minerals belong to Jharkhand, land belongs to Jharkhand—so why should Delhi decide on our rights and entitlements? In haste, the central government passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, effectively tying Jharkhand’s hands and feet.”

Also Read | Amid protests, Lok Sabha passes mining Bill without debate

Black Bill

Mr. Soren termed it a black bill and an injustice to Jharkhand and its people.

“It is a severe blow to their development and future. Jharkhand will not tolerate this stepmotherly treatment. In Jharkhand, schemes providing social security to millions—such as the Maiya Samman Yojana, Abua Awas Yojana, pensions, education, health, and others—will be on the verge of closure. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha strongly opposes this,”Mr. Soren said.

He asserted that if the central government does not withdraw this black bill, Jharkhand will launch a massive movement that the entire nation will witness. Mr. Soren added that there will be fierce opposition to this in every district, every block, every panchayat, every town.

Also Read | Mining Amendment law does not impinge upon States’ rights: Minister

“If the central government does not come to its senses and does not restore to Jharkhand and its people their rights and entitlements, Jharkhand will not shy away from taking decisive and historic decisions either.” Mr. Soren said in the X post.

Published - August 14, 2026 01:06 am IST