(a) whether the Government has given permission of mining to private companies in the country particularly in the backward and tribal dominated areas during the last three years;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has taken any steps for setting up industries in tribal dominated areas by the private companies involved in mining work in the said areas; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF MINES, COAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)
(a) to (d): As per the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act, 1957 and the Rules framed there under, the powers have been devolved upon the State Government to grant mineral concessions for the minerals located within their respective jurisdiction, in accordance with law.
The State Governments are committed to safeguard the tribal rights in the mining areas. Grant of mineral concessions in Scheduled areas are guided by the provisions contained in article 244 read with Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Constitution relating to administration of the Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas. Further, all statutory provisions applicable to Scheduled and Tribal areas are to be complied before starting the mining operations.
As per Provisions of Section 4 (k) & (l) of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 the recommendations of the Gram Sabha or the Panchayats at the appropriate level is mandatory prior to grant of prospecting licence or mining lease for minor minerals or auction of minor minerals.
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