📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Biswarup Ganguly
Politics
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Challenges Centre Over New Mines Bill
✍️ Kanak News Odisha
🗓 22 Aug 2026, 05:11 AM
👁 9
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has publicly opposed the central government's recent Mines Bill, while the Odisha government has remained silent on the issue.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has taken a stand against the Union government's latest Mines Bill, alleging that the legislation encroaches on state authority over mineral resources. Soren raised the issue in a public forum, emphasizing the need for greater fiscal autonomy for resource‑rich states.
The central government, which introduced the amendment to the Mines (Regulation and Development) Act, argues that the changes aim to streamline mining operations and boost revenue collection nationwide. Officials have not yet responded to Soren's specific objections.
Meanwhile, the Odisha administration has not issued any statement regarding the dispute, prompting observers to question the silence of a neighboring state that also has significant mining interests.
Political analysts note that the disagreement underscores the broader tension between state governments and the centre over control of natural resources, a recurring theme in Indian federal politics.
The matter is expected to be debated further in the upcoming parliamentary sessions, where both state and central representatives will likely present their positions.
The central government, which introduced the amendment to the Mines (Regulation and Development) Act, argues that the changes aim to streamline mining operations and boost revenue collection nationwide. Officials have not yet responded to Soren's specific objections.
Meanwhile, the Odisha administration has not issued any statement regarding the dispute, prompting observers to question the silence of a neighboring state that also has significant mining interests.
Political analysts note that the disagreement underscores the broader tension between state governments and the centre over control of natural resources, a recurring theme in Indian federal politics.
The matter is expected to be debated further in the upcoming parliamentary sessions, where both state and central representatives will likely present their positions.