Naveen urges PM for hike in mineral royalty

Due to delay in notification of revision of royalty rate, Odisha is losing Rs 5 cr a day

Worried over inordinate delay in the revision of rates of royalty on minerals and dead rent collected on mining leases, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has urged the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to notify the revised rates without any further delay.

“The rates of royalty and dead rent were last revised by the Government of India with effect from August 13, 2009,  and the enhancement in the rates of royalty and dead rent was due from August 13, 2012. Royalty rates on minerals are to be revised regularly and the decision about the revision of the rates of royalty be taken well before the date on which the revision falls due so that it can be notified immediately after the completion of every three years period as provided under the law,” Patnaik wrote to the prime minister.

A study group constituted by the Central government on revision of rates of royalty and dead rent has submitted its report in June 2013 and the matter is still pending with the Centre for issue of notification.

Because of delay in notification of revision of royalty rate, the state is losing approximately Rs 5 crore per day assuming the present level of production and approval of the revised rates of royalty suggested by the study group.

“I would, therefore, urge upon the Central government to notify the revision on rates of royalty and dead rent without any further delay,” Patnaik urged.

It may be noted that the state has about 16.92 percent of the total mineral reserves of the country. Earlier, Patnaik had urged the Union mines ministry to expedite the royalty revision pending since August 2012.