(a) whether the Government have received requests to streamline the existing system of fixing rates of royalty on different minerals;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government propose to set up a statutory body of experts for revision of rates of royalty on different types of minerals; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS, SPORTS AND MINES (SHRI SUKHDEV SINGH DHINDSA)
(a) to (d): Yes Sir. Conventionally a Study Group is
constituted in the Department/Ministry concerned to review the
rates of royalty on major minerals which comprises
representatives of State Governments, the Industry, the technical
institutions and other concerned Ministries/Departments. The
Study Group makes recommendations about the rates of royalty
after holding broad-based consultations which are considered by
the Government and final revision of the rates of royalty is
notified in the Gazette. There is no proposal to set up any
statutory body of experts for revision of royalty rates.