RJD Protests MMDR Amendment in Deoghar, Seeks Protection of Jharkhand’s Resource Rights

The Deoghar district unit of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) staged a peaceful protest on Thursday against the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, raising concerns over its potential implications for Jharkhand’s mineral resources and the interests of local communities.

Following the demonstration, RJD leaders submitted a memorandum addressed to the President through the Deputy Commissioner, urging the authorities to take into account the concerns being raised in Jharkhand over the changes in the mining law.

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 was passed by both Houses of Parliament on August 13 and received presidential assent on August 17, becoming the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026. Among other changes, the legislation gives the Centre a greater role in regulating mineral-bearing lands and places restrictions on state governments imposing certain taxes, cess or other levies on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands, subject to conditions prescribed by the Centre.

RJD leaders said Jharkhand’s water, forests, land and mineral resources are closely linked t