India, Aug. 13 -- The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Mines and Minerals (development and regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which aims to restrict state governments from imposing taxes, cesses or levies on minerals rights and 'mineral-bearing lands', via voice vote sans debate amid opposition protests.

The bill, which amends the Mines and Minerals (development and regulation) Act, 1957, was introduced on Monday by minister of coal and mines G Kishan Reddy. It was passed in the second half of the Lok Sabha session on Wednesday, with Jagdambika Pal, who was in the chair, beginning proceedings by asking the Opposition to maintain decorum.

The amendment bill introduces a new section that says that "no tax, cess or such other levy (by what...