(a) whether Union Government are considering to amend the mines and minerals(Regulation and Development)Act,1957 for major reform in the relevant procedure and to provide more rights to State Governments;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the details of achievements made in this regard and the time by which it is likely to be finalised?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINES AND MINERALS
(SMT. RITA VERMA)
(a) to (c): The Mines and Minerals(Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill 1999 incorporating delegation of more powers to the State Governments, simplifying procedure for grant and renewal of mining lease/prospecting licence, measures for preventing illegal mining etc. was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 30th November ,1999 and after passing by both the Houses, assent of the President was obtained on 18th December ,1999 and the amendments in the Act were notified inthe Gazette of India (Extraordinary) on 20th December, 1999. Consequential amendments in the two rules framed under this Act viz Mineral Concession Rules, 1960, and Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 1988 have also been notified in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary) on 18th January, 2000. The amendments which , amongst others, provide for reconnaissance permit in the present law, would help in bolstering investor confidence. The allied amendments to the Act, involving liberalisation of the various restrictions and delegation of more powers to the State Governments, would also enhance transparency, hi-tech-compatibility and investor friendliness of the legal frame work.