Pioneer News Service
Ranchi
A political conflict has erupted between the ruling party and the opposition in Jharkhand over the MMDR (Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill. On one hand, the state government has described it as an infringement on ownership rights, while on the other, the opposition claims that the new law will standardize mineral rates across the nation. Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Raghubar Das has launched a sharp attack on the Hemant Soren government.
Praising the MMDR Amendment, Raghubar Das raised questions about illegal coal mining and alleged looting of DMFT (District Mineral Foundation Trust) funds under JMM/Congress alliance government rule, accusing the government of turning Jharkhand into a ‘Loot-khand’ (land of plunder). Addressing media persons at the BJP state headquarters, he stated that the JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) is misleading the public by declaring the bill wrong.
Citing recent media reports, he said that the illegal extraction of coal in the state is a public secret. Leveling accusations, he claimed that the current state government has converted Jharkhand into a land of plunder. The former Chief Minister stated that the MMDR amendment is in the interest of the state, adding that around 90% of the revenue from mining taxes and statutory payments goes to the states and will continue to do so. Claiming that the MMDR Amendment Bill will bring development to tribal areas, Raghubar Das noted that the Central Government is continuously running several schemes for the development of tribal regions.
He expressed strong displeasure over the Hemant government shutting down several public welfare schemes initiated during his tenure. He remarked that for women empowerment, his government had introduced a provision to register properties worth up to Rs 50 lakh for just Rs 1, but this too was discontinued. Furthermore, the government scrapped the scheme providing Rs 5,000 per acre to honor farmers, only to remember the ‘Maiya’ (women welfare scheme) when elections drew near.
He accused the government of betraying women, youth, and farmers, stating that there is a severe crisis of trust in the state today. He added that neither businessmen, farmers, nor students have any trust left in the government. He mentioned that while the government cries foul over Rs 1,100 crore in cess, the figures expose the flaws in their intentions. He concluded by saying that the corruption within the DMFT fund is out in the open for everyone to see.
