The Congress will launch a state-wide agitation against the MMDR amendment starting August 27.
Ranchi. The Congress party has announced a massive agitation in Jharkhand regarding the MMDR (Mines and Minerals – Development and Regulation) Amendment Act and the issue of alleged misappropriation of funds (referred to as ‘donation theft’). State Congress President Keshav Mahto Kamlesh stated that the party would wage a struggle on these issues from the block level up to the state level. He asserted that the Congress would vehemently oppose the Central Government’s move to strip states of their authority to levy cess on mineral resources.
The Congress has declared that a state-wide agitation regarding this issue will commence on August 27. The party maintains that the movement will not be confined to the capital; protest programs will also be organized across various blocks and districts of the state. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is also preparing to join this Congress-led agitation. Consequently, state politics is likely to heat up in the coming days over the MMDR amendment.
Opposition regarding the right to levy cess on minerals
State Congress President Keshav Mahto Kamlesh stated that attempts are being made to undermine the rights of states through the MMDR Amendment Bill. He alleges that the Central Government intends to deprive states of the power to collect cess on minerals. The Congress views this as a serious matter concerning the economic and constitutional rights of the states.
This issue holds particular significance for a mineral-rich state like Jharkhand. Coal, iron ore, and other minerals play a pivotal role in the state’s economy. Revenue generated from mineral resources is considered crucial for the state’s development and public welfare schemes. Therefore, any alteration to the states’ rights regarding taxes and cess on minerals could directly impact state revenue.
The Congress argues that instead of weakening the rights of states, the Centre should formulate policies that safeguard state interests. The party is preparing to take this issue to the public.
Agitation to begin on August 27
According to the Congress, the state-wide agitation will kick off on August 27. Party workers will organize programs at the block level, after which the movement will be expanded to the district and state levels. The party aims to garner widespread public support for the issue of the MMDR amendment.
The state Congress leadership has urged party workers to make the agitation effective and mobilize as many people as possible. The party believes that the question of the state’s rights over mineral resources is not limited to political parties alone but is also linked to the state’s economic interests and the general public.
During the agitation, the Congress will protest against the central government’s policies and seek to highlight the potential impact of the MMDR amendment to the public. Party leaders state that the Congress will not back down on issues concerning the state’s interests.
JMM also preparing for the agitation
Amidst this Congress-led agitation, the JMM is also formulating its own strategy regarding the same issue. If both parties take to the streets together, the impact of the political opposition in Jharkhand could be significant.