Question : LEASE HOLD OF MINING WORK

(a) whether the Union Government have issued any directions to the State Governments particularly to Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Bihar to review the policy of giving the Bauxite, Lignite and Granite mines on lease;

(b) if so, the reaction of the State Governments thereto;

(c) the number of proposals received by the Government to carry out mining work in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Bihar on lease basis and the number of such proposals pending with the Government; and

(d) the steps being taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to increase the export of Bauxite, Lignite and Granite minerals?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINES AND MINERALS

(SMT. RITA VERMA)

(a) No, Sir.

(b) Does not arise in view of (a) above.

(c) Nine proposals for grant of mining lease for lignite have been received from Gujarat, out of which three are pending with the Central Government. As regards Bauxite, a total of fourteen proposals have been received from the States of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Bihar, out of which two proposals are pending with the Central Government. Granite is a minor mineral defined under section 3(e) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and hence Central Government is not concerned with the grant of mineral concession for granite which are granted by the respective State Governments at their own level.

(d) At present there is no proposal with the Government to increase the export of Bauxite and Lignite. Granite has been identified and declared as `thrust area` and necessary steps have been initiated for promoting hassle-free export of granite by the Department of Commerce. Department of Mines have also promulgated the Granite Conservation and Development Rules, 1999 with effect from 1.6.1999 for systematic and scientific development of granite.