(a) whether the Government has a mechanism to review appeals made
against approvals given under the Mines and Minerals (Development and
Regulation) Act, 1957;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the structure of such revisionary
bodies in the Government; and
(c) the measures taken or proposed to revoke wrong allotments and approvals
given for prospective mining licences for iron ore during the last three years?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MINES (SHRI DINSHA PATEL)
(a): Yes, Madam, Section 30 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation)
Act, 1957 empowers the Central Government to revise any order of the State Government
under the Act, in respect of major minerals.
(b): The revisionary powers of the Central Government are delegated to Joint
Secretary/Director/Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and the designated
officers act as the Revisionary Authority to dispose off the revision applications
after following the due process i.e. after issuing notices and hearing the parties
concerned, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 54 and 55 of the Mineral
Concession Rules.
(c): State Governments are required to grant mining lease in terms of MMDR
Act, 1957 and rule framed thereunder. Applications made by aggrieved parties
are being disposed off by Revisionary Authority and where it is held the orders
are not in accordance with the MMDR Act and Rule framed thereunder, directions
are issued to State Government where necessary to review grant of a concession.
During 2009, 2010 and 2011 (up to July) 198, 740 and 532 revision applications
respectively were decided by Revisionary Authorities including concessions relating
to iron ore.