BJD Slams Centre’s MMDR Amendment, Flags School Textbook Delays

Bhubaneswar, Sept 21: The Monsoon Session of the Odisha Assembly, beginning September 22, is set to witness heated debates as the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) prepares to confront the ruling BJP on two critical issues — the impact of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act (MMDR) and delays in distributing corrected school textbooks.

The BJD argues that the MMDR amendment strips Odisha of its constitutional right to levy taxes on mineral-bearing land, calling it an attack on federalism.

Party leaders claim the state will lose thousands of crores annually, including arrears linked to a 2024 Supreme Court verdict.

The BJP counters that royalties and auction premiums remain intact, dismissing BJD’s concerns as politically motivated.

Alongside, the BJD is highlighting widespread errors in newly introduced textbooks for Classes I–VIII. Despite corrections being made, revised copies have not reached students, leaving them disadvantaged ahead of examinations.

By linking mineral revenue to funding schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, and framing textbook delays as administrative failure, the BJD aims to portray the BJP as neglecting Odisha’s interests.

The Assembly session will test whether this narrative resonates with legislators and the public.