(a) whether the Government has finalised the draft Mines and Minerals
(Development and Regulation) Act, 2010 (MMDR);
(b) if so, the details and salient features thereof;
(c) if not, the progress made in regard to its finalisation alongwith
its present status;
(d) whether powers to prescribe minimum area for minor minerals are
likely to be assigned to the State Government under proposed Act; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MINES (SHRI DINSHA PATEL)
(a): No, Madam.
(b): Does not arise in view of (a) above.
(c): The draft Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act was
referred to a Group of Ministers (GoM) set up by the Government on 14.6.2010.
The said GoM held five rounds of detailed discussions and on 7.7.2011 has
recommended the draft Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill,
2011 to be placed before the Cabinet. The Bill is proposed to be introduced
in Parliament as per prescribed procedure, after obtaining Cabinet approval.
(d) and (e): The details of provisions as they stand in the draft MMDR Bill
at present are by their nature secret, since the draft MMDR Bill is in the
process of Cabinet approval.