Jharkhand Assembly Passes Landmark Bill to Tax Mined Minerals

The Jharkhand Assembly approved the 'Jharkhand Mineral-Bearing Land Cess Bill 2024' to impose a new cess on mined minerals. The Bill sets tax rates per metric tonne for various minerals, aiming to increase state revenue. Despite opposition, the Assembly also approved three other bills, including the Jharkhand Prisons and Correctional Services Bill 2024.

The Jharkhand Assembly has passed the 'Jharkhand Mineral-Bearing Land Cess Bill 2024', aiming to impose a cess on mined minerals, thereby boosting the state's revenue. The move follows a Supreme Court ruling empowering states to tax mineral rights.

The Bill, introduced by Mining Minister Mithilesh Thakur, proposes varied tax rates per metric tonne for different minerals: Rs 100 for coal and iron ore, Rs 70 for bauxite, and Rs 50 for manganese ore and other minerals. Despite some legislators' calls to send the Bill to a Select Committee, concerns were addressed and the Bill was approved by voice vote.

Additional legislative activities included the passing of three other bills, among them the Jharkhand Prisons and Correctional Services Bill 2024, despite protests from opposition leader Amar Bauri.

(With inputs from agencies.)