Naveen Patnaik opposes MMDR Act amendment to protect Odisha’s mineral revenue

Naveen Patnaik, President of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and former Chief Minister of Odisha, has criticized the central government's recent amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act. Patnaik warned that the legislative changes threaten Odisha’s economy by undermining the state’s sovereign rights and financial interests regarding its mineral resources.

Patnaik noted that Odisha holds significant reserves of chromite, bauxite, iron ore, coal, and manganese. He argued that the amendment would drastically reduce the mining tax revenue that previously supported the state’s infrastructure, poverty reduction, and welfare initiatives. He contrasted the current situation with his 24-year tenure, during which the state moved from economic strain to a significant revenue surplus.

In response to the amendment, Patnaik has written to Chief Minister Mohan Majhi to request an urgent all-party meeting and a special session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly to address the legal and economic consequences of the bill.