look news india
These days, in Jharkhand, a state rich in mineral wealth of the country, the political temperature has reached sky high due to a decision of the Central Government. After the decision of the Supreme Court in which the right of the states to impose cess on minerals and mineral land has been abolished, the Hemant government of the state has adopted a very strict stance. In this context, the Jharkhand government has taken a big political step and made an official announcement of convening a two-day special session of the Jharkhand Assembly on 5th and 6th October. During this special session, a concrete strategy will be prepared to protect the mineral rights, financial autonomy and economic interests of the state and a strong protest will be lodged in the House against this decision of the Centre.
The entire issue of Supreme Court decision and termination of rights on mineral cess
This entire controversy started when the Supreme Court in one of its historic decisions made it clear that only the Central Government has the exclusive right to impose tax on mineral rights and the State Governments cannot collect cess or tax separately on it. This decision is being considered a huge economic blow for a state like Jharkhand, because a large part of the economy here depends on mineral wealth and the revenue derived from it. The state government argues that there is a dire need for additional revenue at the local level to address environmental damage, local displacement and infrastructure development caused by mineral exploration. Due to the loss of the right to levy cess, the state treasury may have to face huge financial losses, due to which there is an atmosphere of deep concern in the administrative circles.
Jharkhand government’s aggressive stance and special preparations for the special session of the assembly
The Chief Minister and his cabinet have adopted a very aggressive attitude to protect the constitutional rights of the state in the matter of mineral wealth. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and its allies believe that this decision is a direct attack on the federal structure of the states and their financial rights. A special session of the Assembly has been called on 5th and 6th October for comprehensive discussion on this serious issue and to approve the legal and constitutional options. During this two-day session, both the ruling party and the opposition will have full opportunity to present their views on this important issue. Experts believe that in this session the state government can also present a tough proposal or a special bill so that pressure can be put on the central government and the economic interests of Jharkhand can be secured.
Impact on state development works and local plans due to decrease in mineral revenue.
Mineral royalties and cess are the biggest source of income for tribal dominated and backward states like Jharkhand. If the right to collect cess from the states is completely abolished, the state government will be left with a huge shortage of funds for development works, welfare schemes and rural infrastructure. For the last several years, the Jharkhand government has been using this revenue for the development of mining areas and rehabilitation of people affected by pollution there. The abolition of this right will weaken the financial position of the state, which can have a direct impact on the standard of living of the general public and employment generation plans. This is the reason why this issue has become the biggest and sensitive topic in the politics of Jharkhand at this time.
Reactions of political parties and excitement regarding the upcoming session intensifies
With the announcement of the special session of the Assembly, political activity has intensified from Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi to the entire state. The leaders of the ruling party say that they will fight till the last breath for the rights and authority of the state, whether it means fighting a legal battle or protesting from Parliament to the streets. At the same time, the opposition parties are also making their strategy for this session so that it can be seen what concrete steps the government takes to deal with this crisis. This special session to be held on 5th and 6th October can prove to be a milestone in deciding the direction of Jharkhand’s politics, on which the eyes of the entire country are fixed.