MMDR Amendment Bill Sparks Revenue Concerns in Odisha

The passage of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, has triggered concerns over the potential impact on the revenues of mineral-rich states such as Odisha and Jharkhand. Parliament passed the Bill in August 2026, with reports noting that it was approved through voice votes in both Houses. The legislation gives the Centre greater control over state-level taxes, cesses and other levies linked to mineral rights and mineral-bearing land. Critics argue that provisions dealing with past or unrecovered dues could affect revenue claims of states. Some estimates circulating in public commentary put Odisha’s potential revenue impact at around ₹1 lakh crore and the overall impact on pending demands across the mining sector at about ₹2 lakh crore; these figures should be treated as estimates rather than confirmed government revenue-loss figures.

The issue has also attracted political attention following recent interactions between Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Karan Adani. In July 2026, the Odisha government signed an MoU with Adani Enterprises and Abu Dhabi-based International Resources Holding for an integrated aluminium project valued at about ₹1.08 lakh crore. The project covers bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminium smelting and downstream manufacturing and is expected to generate more than 53,000 jobs. However, there is no verified evidence in the sources reviewed establishing a direct connection between the Majhi-Adani meeting and the subsequent passage of the MMDR Bill.