In a rare show of unity, the Shibu Soren-led ruling coalition and the opposition on Tuesday agreed to move a unanimous resolution in the Jharkhand Assembly to demand increase in the state’s share of mineral royalty from the Centre.
“We agreed to a resolution appealing to the Centre for increase in mineral royalty in the interest of the state,” Deputy Chief Minister Raghuvar Das said, adding that it would be brought in the House very soon.
His reply came after CPI (ML—Liberation) MLA Vinod Kumar Singh told the House that Jharkhand was being given less royalty for coal and iron ore by the Centre in comparison to other states, particularly Chhattisgarh.
Speaker C. P. Singh then suggested that the House adopt a unanimous resolution on the issue, which was supported by Leader of the Opposition Rajendra P. Singh of the Congress and other members present in the house.
Quoting the 1957 Mineral Act that there should be no difference of rates among states, Das claimed Jharkhand has 40 per cent of the total coal in the country, but royalty was not proportionate.
He also suggested setting up an all party delegation to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to place their demand.
