Hemant Soren warns of protests over Mines and Minerals Bill

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has threatened massive nationwide protests if the central government does not withdraw the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. The bill, which recently passed both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, seeks to restrict the ability of states to levy taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands.

Soren criticized the legislation as a “black bill” that undermines the state’s authority over its own resources. He argued that because Jharkhand holds approximately 40 per cent of India’s total mineral wealth, the decision-making power regarding its land and minerals should reside with the state rather than in Delhi. He described the move as an attempt to paralyze the state’s ability to manage its own assets.

The Chief Minister warned that the bill could force the closure of critical social security and welfare schemes, such as the Maiya Samman Yojana, which support millions of residents. He vowed that opposition would be fierce across every district, block, and panchayat if the amendment is not retracted.