Question : AMENDMENT IN PROVISIONS OF MMDR ACT

(a) whether the Government proposes to amend the existing provisions of Schedule ‘A’, ‘C’ and Section 6(3) of the Mine and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 for empowering the States in granting mining lease in their territories;

(b) if so, the details and the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government has received certain requests from various fora including the Ministry of Law to rechristen the existing mining law and ensure conservation of minerals;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the reaction of the Government thereto?

THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (SHRI B. K. HANDIQUE)

(a) to (e): The Government has constituted a Group of Ministers to consider various view points on the draft Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill, 2010, and give its recommendation to the Government. The Group of Ministers is taking into consideration the view of all stakeholders, including Ministries/ Departments of Central Government. Since the draft Act is under consideration, the specific measures and provisions are not yet finalised.