Mumbai, Aug. 18 -- Kerala has strongly opposed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which was passed by both Houses of Parliament, arguing that the measure transfers states' rights and authority over land to the jurisdiction of the Union government. The Union government has presented the amendment as a mechanism to ensure uniform mineral rates across the country. Opposition parties in Parliament criticised the legislation for seeking to restrict the powers of states to impose taxes on mineral rights and on mineral-rich lands.
Chief Minister VD Satheesan said after the state cabinet meeting that the legislation encroaches upon powers that belong to the states under the Constitution. He highlighted item 18 of the State List and noted that the right to grant mining leases and to determine non-royalty fees payable to the state has traditionally rested with the state. Satheesan argued that the bill effectively shifts those authorities to the Union.
The amendment defines land as mineral-bearing and does not explicitly exclude forests and coastal areas, a point that the state government described as deeply troubling. Kerala officials warned that treating wide swathes of territory as falling under Union jurisdiction could have implications for land management, environmental safeguards and local governance. The state characterised the move as contrary to federal principles.
Kerala has said it will oppose the legislation and will formally convey its displeasure to the Union government. The state government indicated that it would pursue all available constitutional and political avenues to defend state rights.
The dispute centres on competing claims over land and mineral regulation and will shape debates about centre-state relations and resource governance. Kerala's position underscores the broader tensions that can arise when national reforms intersect with state powers.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.