Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth has described the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment (MMDR) Bill, 2026, as a historic step that will change the fortunes and landscape of mineral-rich states like Jharkhand. Addressing a press conference in Ranchi today, he said the Bill will strengthen the interests of states and contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Mr. Seth said nearly 90 percent of mineral revenue will continue to go to the states, rejecting opposition claims that the interests of states have been compromised. He said the Bill will help curb illegal mining and mineral theft through a zero-tolerance approach, while a transparent and stable tax regime will boost investment, production and employment.
He said mineral revenue in Jharkhand has increased from around 4,662 crore rupees before 2014 to nearly 33,494 crore rupees in 2025-26, an increase of around 618 percent.
Mr. Seth said India has sufficient coal resources and stressed that faster mining, prevention of illegal mining and simplified procedures can reduce imports and strengthen the country’s self-reliance.
