RANCHI: In a firm caution to the Centre, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday stated that his government would adopt stringent measures, including seeking legal action and compelling public sector coal companies operating in the state to halt their mining activities, if there were no genuine efforts made to settle its coal-related dues.
While addressing JMM’s 53rd foundation day event in Dhanbad, Hemant expressed, "For centuries, we have been subjected to neglect and this treatment must end now. If we decide to take a stringent step, the entire nation could face darkness."
"Our coal-related dues amount to Rs 1.36 lakh crore. Each time we sought our rightful share, the Centre claimed there were no pending dues. Even their MPs from our state remain silent in Parliament," he asserted.
Hemant further disclosed that during a meeting last month, Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy urged him to reduce the land acquisition costs for coal companies. "He mentioned that our rates were higher than those in other states and that we must lower them. I refused and stated that if they were truly interested, they would have to acquire the land at the existing prices," he elaborated.
The Chief Minister also announced that his government would soon initiate a significant crackdown on the collaboration between land sharks and government officials involved in dubious land transactions throughout the state. "All Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Circle Officers (COs) who conspire with land sharks will be arrested, imprisoned, and dismissed from service," Soren warned.
