1 week ago
Odisha Congress Seeks Assembly Session Over Mining Bill
Odisha’s Congress party wants the State Assembly to hold a special meeting about a new mining law.
Congress says the law could reduce Odisha’s control over its minerals and mining revenues.
It also says the State could lose a very large amount of money.
Congress is especially concerned about tribal communities and environmental damage from mining.
The party asked Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati to call the session.
The BJP, which governs Odisha, disagrees with Congress.
The BJP says the law will help use mineral resources properly and benefit mineral-rich States.
The two parties have different views about who will control mining and how much money Odisha will receive.
Odisha Congress MLAs demanded a special Assembly session to discuss the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill.
The delegation, led by Ram Chandra Kadam, submitted a memorandum to Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati.
Congress alleged the legislation would weaken Odisha’s powers and undermine the federal structure.
The party estimated Odisha could lose around Rs 1 lakh crore, with annual revenue losses of about Rs 20,000 crore.
The ruling BJP rejected the allegations, saying mineral-rich States and India would benefit from the legislation.
- Who
- Odisha Congress MLAs, led by Ram Chandra Kadam, and the ruling BJP, represented by Biranchi Narayan Tripathy.
- What
- Congress demanded a special Assembly session to discuss and oppose the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill.
- Where
- Bhubaneswar, Odisha, where Congress submitted its memorandum to the Governor.
- When
- Saturday; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Why
- Congress says the Bill would restrict Odisha’s powers, reduce its revenues and affect tribal and environmental interests; the BJP says it will benefit mineral-rich States and improve resource use.
Congress’s objections
BJP’s response
State powers and federalism
Congress’s objections
Congress says the Bill would give the Centre greater control over mineral allocation, revenue collection and mining-lease renewals, weakening Odisha’s role and the federal structure.
BJP’s response
The BJP says the new legislation will benefit mineral-rich States, including Odisha, through proper utilisation of mineral resources.
Revenue impact
Congress’s objections
Congress alleges Odisha could lose around Rs 1 lakh crore and suffer an annual revenue loss of about Rs 20,000 crore.
BJP’s response
The BJP rejects Congress’s allegations and says the country and mineral-rich States will benefit from the law.
Mining, communities and environment
Congress’s objections
Congress says the amendments threaten millions of people, particularly tribal communities, and could prevent Odisha from taxing mining companies despite environmental damage.
BJP’s response
The BJP says the legislation adds value through the proper utilisation of mineral resources.
Key facts
- Demand
- Congress urged the Governor to convene a special session of the Odisha Assembly.
- Memorandum leader
- Ram Chandra Kadam led the Congress delegation.
- Governor
- Hari Babu Kambhampati received the memorandum.
- Congress revenue estimate
- Congress claimed Odisha could lose around Rs 1 lakh crore overall and about Rs 20,000 crore annually.
- Congress concern
- The party said the amendments could limit State taxation of mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands.
- BJP response
- The BJP rejected the allegations and said the legislation would benefit mineral-rich States and India.
Quotes
Biranchi Narayan Tripathy
General secretary of the ruling BJP in Odisha
“We apprised the Governor of our opposition to the new mining legislation and demanded its rollback. We also urged the Governor to convene a special session of the House for a detailed discussion on the matter.”
thehansindia.com
“All mineral-rich States, including Odisha, and above all the country, will benefit from the new legislation. This wonderful law has been brought to add value through proper utilisation of mineral resources.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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