The proposed modifications to a law governing coalfields that allow for indefinite leases to state-run miners and diversion of unused acquired land to private entities would hamper the interests of Jharkhand, the state government has said in a letter to the Centre, officials aware of the development said.
Jharkhand has forwarded its objections regarding the Coal Bearing Area (Acquisition and Development) Amendment Bill, 2023, which seeks to replace a 1957 law, they said.
“The consultative committee of the Centre had sent us the draft of the amendment Bill seeking our opinion. The department has written back, raising the state’s concerns with certain proposed clauses in the Bill,” said Aboobacker Siddique P, the state’s mines and geology secretary.
