Kerala to Oppose Centre’s Mining Amendment Bill and Announces Key Cabinet Decisions
The Kerala government has announced its decision to mount firm political and potential legal opposition against the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which was passed by the Lok Sabha. Speaking after a State Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan stated that the legislation encroaches on constitutional powers granted to States over land and undermines India’s federal framework.
What Happened
Addressing the media following the Cabinet briefing, Chief Minister Satheesan outlined Kerala’s primary objection to the proposed amendment. The State contends that the Bill attempts to bring land-related powers under the authority of the Union government. Under the Indian Constitution, legislative powers are divided among the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists. Land falls under Entry 18 of the State List, granting exclusive jurisdiction to state legislatures. The Chief Minister highlighted that the Union is seeking to expand its control through the classification of “mineral-bearing land,” which does not exclude forests or coastal zones.
Alongside the stance on the mining amendment, the Cabinet made several major policy and administrative decisions regarding port operations, disaster rehabilitation, housing, and public sector employee benefits.
Key Highlights
- Opposition to Mining Bill: Kerala will formally communicate its protest to the Centre regarding the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, and intends to explore legal action if the Bill becomes law.
- Vizhinjam Port EXIM Operations: Direct export-import (EXIM) cargo handling at the Vizhinjam International Seaport is scheduled to start on August 18. Around 60 percent of containers handled previously were transshipment cargo. A Customs-bonded area inside the port and a temporary road connecting the port road to National Highway 66 have been set up.
- Wayanad Landslide Rehabilitation: The Cabinet approved an additional financial assistance package of ₹2 lakh for each beneficiary on the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide rehabilitation list, entailing an expenditure of more than ₹5 crore.
- PMAY-U 2.0 MoU: The State decided to execute the memorandum of understanding for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0 via the Local Self-Government Department, accepting the Centre’s condition to feature a designated scheme emblem or logo.
- Bonus Guidelines: Formal guidelines were issued for granting bonuses to Kerala public-sector enterprise employees for the 2025-26 financial year.
Why This Matters
The State government views the classification of “mineral-bearing land” under the proposed central legislation as a direct intrusion into State List subjects protected under the Indian Constitution. If enacted without changes, the law could alter the division of legislative authority between the Centre and States regarding land management, including sensitive ecological areas such as coastal regions and forests.
What to Watch Next
The Kerala government plans to formally register its objection with the Union government. Furthermore, should the legislation receive full parliamentary passage and become law, the State has indicated it will evaluate formal legal challenges in court. Meanwhile, direct EXIM cargo movement at Vizhinjam port will officially commence on August 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kerala opposing the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, 2026?
Kerala argues that the Bill encroaches on State authority because land is listed under Entry 18 of the State List in the Constitution, giving States exclusive jurisdiction over it.
When will direct EXIM cargo movement begin at Vizhinjam port?
Direct export-import cargo movement at Vizhinjam International Seaport is scheduled to commence on August 18, following public notices issued by the Customs Commissionerate.
What relief assistance was approved for Wayanad landslide victims?
The Cabinet cleared an additional ₹2 lakh in financial aid for beneficiaries included in the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide rehabilitation list, with total spending exceeding ₹5 crore.
Source: Based on official statements and Cabinet briefing details reported by The Hindu.