Lok Sabha passes bill limiting states' mineral taxation powers

The Lok Sabha passed a bill on Monday that restricts states' authority to levy taxes on minerals. The measure amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and was introduced by Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy.

The bill faced opposition over concerns that it would limit state governments' revenue from mineral extraction. States have traditionally relied on mining taxes as a source of income for development and welfare programmes.