Kerala opposes mines, minerals bill passed by Parl
Chief minister VD Satheesan said on Thursday that Kerala strongly opposes the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, passed by Parliament, as it effectively transfers the states’ rights and authority over land to the jurisdiction of the Union government
Kerala has vehemently opposed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which was recently passed by the Indian Parliament. The bill, according to Chief Minister VD Satheesan, effectively transfers the state's authority over land to the central government. This legislation has been criticized by the Opposition for restricting states' ability to tax mineral rights and mineral-rich lands.
The central government maintains that the amendment aims to establish consistent mineral rates nationwide. Satheesan argued that the bill infringes upon states' rights concerning minerals and mineral-rich lands, stating that the bill transfers land authority, which is under Schedule 18 of the Constitution, to the Union government.
He emphasized that the bill moves against federal principles and defined land as mineral-bearing without excluding forests and coastal areas. Kerala intends to oppose the legislation and express its strong displeasure, according to Satheesan.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
