By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR:Whether it is BJD or Congress, it is ridiculous to say that those who looted crores of rupees in Odisha due to mining corruption during their rule are losing revenue today. The media in Odisha is witness to what the Saha Commission said about mining corruption when the Congress was in power at the Centre and the BJD was in power in the state. States have always been given more autonomy in the economic sector under the BJP government. During the premiership of the successful Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, a historic amendment was made to the MDMA Act in 2015, in which states like Odisha benefited a lot in the economic sector. When the Congress was in power at the Centre, Odisha was receiving only Rs 5,000 crore in revenue from mining in 2013. State spokesperson Shri Anil Biswal said that due to the historic amendments made to the MMD Act in 2015 under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Modi, the state is now receiving an annual mining revenue of Rs 48,000 crore.
Shri Biswal said that due to the premium action rule in mining auctions, mining is now being auctioned at a higher cost, which is benefiting the state governments. Similarly, the DMF fund, which was started during Modiji’s presidency, is now providing an additional Rs 8,000 to 10,000 crore annually directly to mining districts for local development. If the BJD-Congress were really so concerned about the interests of the state, they will explain why less revenue was collected under their rule and whose pocket was that money going to? Now, the recently passed amendment to the 2026 MMD will bring a stable, clear regulatory system in the mining sector and make the Indian mining industry more competitive.
It will accelerate the exploration and production of critical and strategic minerals that are essential for the country. Raw materials required for industries like semiconductors will be available to manufacturers across the country at the same price. This will also encourage new investments, industrial development, employment and long-term economic growth in the mining sector. States with mineral resources will benefit the most. The new amendment will not in any way cause a single loss of revenue to Odisha, but will provide more revenue in a competitive market.
