Lok Sabha Bill Proposes Conditions on State Mineral Taxation Powers

The Bill states that 'no tax, cess or such other levy (by whatever name called) shall be imposed by the state government on mineral rights'. The Bill seeks to amend the MMDR Act, 1957 to facilitate better and faster mineral exploration and production, especially critical minerals. In its statement of objects and reasons, the government said the Bill proposes that the Union will take under its control the regulation of mineral-bearing lands having mineral contents in accordance with parameters prescribed by the Central Government under the MMDR Act. This is in addition to the existing provision which declares the Union's control over the regulation of mines and development of minerals.