Mining rights in Tribal Areas

RAJYA SABHA

No separate Policy has been framed for protection and promotion of interests of Scheduled Tribes of Jharkhand while granting mining rights in Tribal Areas. However, the Government has enunciated the National Mineral Policy, 2008, which seeks to develop a sustainable framework for optimum utilisation of the country’s natural mineral resources for the industrial growth in the country and at the same time improve the life of the people living in the mining areas, which are generally located in the backward and tribal regions of the country.

The Policy also enunciates that efforts will be made to promote small scale mining of small deposits in a scientific and efficient manner, while safeguarding vital environmental and ecological imperatives, and while granting mineral concessions for small deposits in Scheduled Areas, preference shall be given to Scheduled Tribes singly or as cooperatives.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs Dr. Tushar A. Chaudhary in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

VBA/BS