Tomar seeks states' views on amending Mines and Minerals Act

He urged head of the states to come together to evolve a transparent and efficient system of allocation of leases

Union Steel and Mines minister Narendra Singh Tomar has shot a letter to the state chief ministers to seek their views in amending the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957.

Tomar will meet the chief ministers of various states this week and visit other states in the coming weeks. Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Goa CM Manohar Parrikar will meet Tomar in Delhi on Thursday.

“We will take the state’s view before going ahead with any reform in the mining sector,” Tomar told Business Standard.

The MMDR Act 1957 entails legislative framework to govern mining sector in the country. The draft MMDR Amendment Bill, 2011, prepared under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) rule, was lapsed with the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha.

“Expressing concern over the negative public perception with regard to mining, the minister has urged head of the states to come together to evolve a transparent and efficient system of allocation of leases along with a robust regulatory framework that best serves India’s interest,” a ministry note said.

The letter also raised the need to safeguard environmental concerns. “Priorities laid out also include re-invigorating of mining sector, improving investment scenario and reaping benefits of enhanced technology and best practices,” said the ministry.