The Jharkhand government has officially registered its objections to the proposed amendments to the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957, which were approved by the Union cabinet in April 2023. These amendments are intended to facilitate the use of land that is no longer suitable for coal mining and to encourage investment and job creation in the coal sector. However, the Jharkhand government, in a letter sent to the Centre, has expressed concerns that the amendments are not in the best interests of the state, its people, or the country as a whole.

The letter highlights several issues with the proposed amendments, particularly how they could negatively impact states like Jharkhand, which have a significant tribal population with rights to forest, water, and land (referred to as "jal, jungle, and jameen"). The government is concerned that the changes could exacerbate the problem of displacement caused by mining and infrastructure development in the state, characterizing the amendments as "anti-development."

One specific concern raised in the letter relates to the removal of the stipulated timeframe for coal-mining leases to government companies, as specified in Section 8 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and rule 24 (C) of the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960. The state government believes that this amendment contradicts existing laws and rules and could lead to a loss of royalties for the state.

Additionally, the letter highlights that the proposed amendments would allow land acquired for government mining companies to be allocated to private institutions for various projects. This could encroach upon the constitutional rights of tribal and native landowners, as well as violate the rights conferred on them.

Overall, the Jharkhand government's objections center on the potential adverse impacts of the proposed amendments on the state's tribal population, land rights, and revenue from mining activities.