Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Dharmendra Pradhan Rejects Naveen Patnaik’s Concerns Over MMDR Amendment
A proposed mining law has caused a disagreement in Odisha.
Naveen Patnaik says the law could reduce the state’s control over its minerals and lower its income.
Dharmendra Pradhan says those fears are not correct.
He says Odisha will still receive mining payments, including royalties and District Mineral Foundation money.
Pradhan also says one common tax system could make mining less complicated.
He claimed Odisha’s mining income grew greatly after reforms by the Narendra Modi government.
Patnaik wants political parties and the state Assembly to discuss the proposal.
Odisha’s Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena also said the state’s interests are protected.
The two sides disagree about how the amendment could affect Odisha’s money and authority.
Dharmendra Pradhan rejected Naveen Patnaik’s claim that the MMDR Amendment Bill, 2026, would weaken Odisha’s financial autonomy.
Pradhan said Odisha would continue receiving auction premiums, royalties and District Mineral Foundation revenues.
He argued that uniform taxation would reduce multiple levies and provide greater certainty for mining and industry.
Patnaik called the amendment a threat to Odisha’s mineral control and financial future, seeking an all-party meeting and special Assembly session.
Pradhan cited increased mining revenues and Odisha’s rising debt during the previous BJD government while defending the amendment.
- Who
- Dharmendra Pradhan, Naveen Patnaik and Odisha Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena are the principal figures mentioned.
- What
- They are disputing the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, and its possible effects on Odisha.
- When
- The dispute was reported on Thursday; Patnaik’s cited concerns and requests were already in public circulation.
- Where
- Odisha, with Pradhan responding from Bhubaneswar.
- Why
- Patnaik says the amendment could reduce Odisha’s control over minerals and cause revenue losses, while Pradhan says state revenues and interests remain protected.
Naveen Patnaik’s Position
Dharmendra Pradhan and Government Position
State financial autonomy
Naveen Patnaik’s Position
Patnaik says the amendment threatens Odisha’s financial future and could cause substantial revenue losses.
Dharmendra Pradhan and Government Position
Pradhan says the legislation would not undermine Odisha’s financial autonomy or deprive it of legitimate mining revenues.
Control over mineral resources
Naveen Patnaik’s Position
Patnaik alleges that Odisha would lose control over its mineral resources under the amended framework.
Dharmendra Pradhan and Government Position
Pradhan and Bibhuti Bhusan Jena maintain that Odisha’s interests remain protected.
Mining taxation
Naveen Patnaik’s Position
Patnaik opposes the amendment and has urged people to resist it while seeking formal state-level discussions.
Dharmendra Pradhan and Government Position
Pradhan supports restrictions on state levies, arguing that multiple taxes raise mineral costs and hurt industries and consumers.
- Legislation
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026
- Pradhan’s revenue claim
- Odisha’s annual mining revenue rose from about Rs 5,000 crore to nearly Rs 50,000 crore after mining-sector reforms, according to Pradhan.
- DMF funds
- Pradhan claimed Odisha had received about Rs 37,000 crore through District Mineral Foundation funds.
- State payments
- Pradhan said Odisha would continue receiving auction premiums, royalties and District Mineral Foundation revenues.
- Patnaik’s demand
- Naveen Patnaik sought an all-party meeting and a special Assembly session.
- Debt figures cited
- Pradhan said Odisha’s outstanding debt increased from about Rs 18,000 crore in 2000 to more than Rs 96,000 crore in 2024.