Kerala’s Chief Minister VD Satheesan announced on Thursday the state’s strong opposition to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which was recently passed by Parliament. Satheesan criticized the legislation for transferring significant rights and authority over land from state governments to the Union government, raising concerns about local governance and autonomy in resource management.
The rights over land completely rested with the State,” Satheesan told reporters after the cabinet meeting on Thursday. The legislation was passed by both Houses of Parliament amid criticism by the Opposition that it seeks to restrict the powers of States to impose taxes on mineral rights and mineral-rich lands. The Union government has stated that the amendment seeks to ensure uniform mineral rates across the country. The CM alleged that the legislation encroaches upon the powers of States pertaining to minerals and mineral-rich lands. Till date, the right to grant mining leases and to determine non-royalty fees payable to the State rested with the State. The amendment bill moved by the Union government is against federal principles, he added.
“In the name of the bill, there is a move to transfer the authority and rights over land — which falls under item 18 of the State List — to the jurisdiction of the Union government. Land completely falls under Schedule 18 of the State List of the Constitution.
The legislation, by defining land as mineral-bearing, does not even exclude forests and coastal areas, he said. “Kerala proposes to oppose the legislation and will convey its deepest displeasure,” he said.
