(a) whether the Union Government propose to formulate a legislation for the optimum exploitation of minerals in the off-shore areas;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the subject was discussed in a `Conference of State Minister of Mines and Geology` held at New Delhi recently; and
(d) if so, the details of the outcome in the above said conference?
THE MINISTER OF MINES (SHRI SUNDAR LAL PATWA)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The Government has prepared an Offshore Areas Mineral(Development and Regulation ) Bill and the same is slated for introduction in the Lok Sabha.
(c ) & (d): In the Conference of State Ministers of Mines & Geology held at New Delhi recently, the delegates were informed about Central Government`s intention to enact a legislation for exploitation of mineral resources in the offshore areas. This matter was formally not on the agenda which was discussed.