Ranchi: Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy discussed the issue of outstanding coal royalty payments during a high-level meeting on Thursday. Senior officials from the state government, Ministry of Coal, Coal India, and its subsidiaries gathered to address this and other pressing issues related to coal mining in Jharkhand. The state government presented a detailed assessment revealing that a staggering ₹1.36 lakh crore in mineral royalties remained unpaid, prompting the Chief Minister to call for urgent action.
CM Soren urged the Union Coal Minister to prioritise the payment of the dues and take immediate steps to resolve the matter. He emphasised the need for the central and state governments to collaborate and ensure verification of the outstanding payments. The Union Minister assured that necessary steps would be taken, with the verification process to be conducted jointly with the state government to expedite the settlement.
Beyond the financial concerns, the meeting also addressed critical issues surrounding land acquisition, displacement, and the effective use of District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) funds and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in coal mining areas. CM Soren ssaid that the challenges associated with coal mining in the state could only be addressed through joint efforts from both levels of government. He pointed out that better management of coal mining projects could help resolve ongoing issues and improve the relationship between the industry and local communities.
A key proposal by the Chief Minister was to involve displaced landowners as stakeholders in coal mining projects, rather than simply providing them with compensation and jobs. By making them active participants, the government could build trust and ensure more effective use of CSR and DMFT funds. Additionally, he recommended that small-scale tenders for mining-related work be awarded to displaced families and local residents to foster greater community participation.
The issue of abandoned coal mines, where operations had ceased but the land remained unused, was also raised. CM Soren called for these lands to be returned to the state government to prevent illegal mining and ensure proper land management. He also advocated for expanding the reach of CSR activities, suggesting that they be extended to a 50-kilometer radius around mining areas instead of the current 20 kilometers, to benefit a larger segment of the population.
Environmental concerns, particularly the long-standing underground fires in Jharia and health issues in areas like Jaduguda, were also discussed. CM Soren urged the Union Minister to take immediate steps to address the environmental damage caused by mining activities and mitigate the health risks to local communities. He proposed the establishment of permanent training centres for displaced youth and encouraged the increased involvement of women in coal mining operations. CM Soren reiterated his request for the relocation of Coal India’s headquarters to Jharkhand, a move he believes would benefit the state economically and socially.