Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has written an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the issue of unpaid coal dues amounting to ?1.36 trillion. The letter addresses the significant financial burden on the state caused by these outstanding payments, which Soren claims have accumulated due to royalties and levies on coal extracted from Jharkhand. The unpaid amount is reportedly hindering the state’s ability to meet its fiscal responsibilities, causing a major strain on its finances.
Soren emphasized the critical role Jharkhand plays in India's energy sector, being a key supplier of coal, and stated that the central government’s delay in addressing these dues is affecting the state’s economic stability. According to him, this non-payment is a result of unresolved issues related to royalties and levies that have persisted over time. The Chief Minister is urging the central government to expedite the settlement of the outstanding amount to prevent further fiscal distress for Jharkhand.
The letter also mentions the vital importance of the coal sector to Jharkhand's economy, pointing out that the state’s mineral resources are a significant contributor to India's energy needs. Despite this, the state has not been receiving its rightful share of revenues, causing a negative impact on development projects and public services. Soren has called for a constructive dialogue between the state and central government to resolve the matter promptly.
