2 weeks ago
CPI-M demands protection of Odisha's mineral rights
The state of Odisha in India has lots of valuable minerals under its ground.
A political group called the CPI-M thinks the state should earn money from selling those minerals.
But a new law, called the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, was just passed by India's Parliament.
The CPI-M says this law takes away rights from mineral-rich states like Odisha.
It says the central government would get more control instead.
The CPI-M wants the new law to be cancelled.
They remind everyone that India's Supreme Court, the highest court, said in 2024 that states can claim money from mineral lands.
Odisha might be able to claim over one lakh crore rupees, which is a huge amount of money.
The CPI-M says that number is just an estimate, not a final one.
They also want tribal people and local communities near mines to be protected and paid fairly.
The CPI-M Odisha State Committee demanded protection of Odisha's constitutional and financial rights over its mineral resources.
The party opposes the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, passed by both Houses of Parliament.
State Secretary Suresh Chandra Panigrahy alleged the amendment curtails mineral-rich States' rights and strengthens the Centre's control.
The party cited a 2024 Supreme Court judgment, with Odisha's potential past mineral taxation claim estimated at over Rs 1 lakh crore.
CPI-M urged the Odisha government to protect its revenue claims, demanded withdrawal of the amendment, and sought safeguards for mining-affected tribal and local communities.
- Who
- The CPI-M Odisha State Committee, led by State Secretary Suresh Chandra Panigrahy.
- What
- Demanded protection of Odisha's mineral rights and withdrawal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.
- Where
- Odisha, India, with the bill passed by Parliament.
- When
- 2026, when the amendment bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament; the exact date of the CPI-M statement is not specified.
- Why
- Because the CPI-M alleges the amendment curtails mineral-rich States' rights, strengthens Centre control, and threatens Odisha's revenue claims arising from the 2024 Supreme Court judgment.
Key facts
- Organisation
- CPI-M Odisha State Committee
- State Secretary
- Suresh Chandra Panigrahy
- Opposed legislation
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026
- Bill status
- Passed by both Houses of Parliament
- Legal basis
- 2024 Supreme Court judgment on mineral-bearing lands and mineral rights
- Estimated claim for Odisha
- Over Rs 1 lakh crore (estimate, not final or audited)
- Key demands
- Withdrawal of amendment; protection of states' mineral rights and unpaid levies; safeguards for mining-affected tribal communities; transparency on mining company benefits
Sources
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