New Delhi, 13 August (H.S.):

The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, by a voice vote. The legislation seeks to place restrictions on the powers of states to levy taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing land.

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy introduced the Bill in the Rajya Sabha for consideration and passage. During the debate, Reddy said the legislation was not intended to enable the Central Government to interfere in the financial affairs, land matters or mineral-related subjects of any state. He made it clear that the government had no intention of encroaching upon the powers of the states.

Reddy said the government wanted mineral rates to be uniform across the country so that a consistent regulatory framework could be established in the mineral sector.

The Bill proposes changes to the existing framework governing taxes imposed by states on mineral rights and mineral-bearing land. According to the government, the proposed changes are aimed at bringing greater uniformity to the mineral sector and reducing disparities in mineral rates among states.

The legislation was passed by the Lok Sabha on August 12. Following its passage in the lower house, the Bill was referred to the Rajya Sabha for consideration, where it received approval on Thursday.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar