Fresh view on mining Bill likely

The UPA govt in 2011 had tabled the Bill in the Lok Sabha, but it could not be passed

The government is likely to take a fresh look at the Mines and Mineral Development and Regulation (MMDR) Bill, 2011, which has now lapsed. The new Bill proposed sharing of 26 per cent profits of mining with the project affected people.

“The MMDR Bill (of 2011) is lapsed. The government has to decide on three things - either do nothing, keep the same Bill or pick up what is the best thing,” Mines Secretary Anup Pujari said, when asked if a new Bill would be brought in.

The UPA government in 2011 had tabled the Bill in the Lok Sabha, but it could not be passed. The Bill sought to introduce competitive bidding process to encourage the participation of private parties in the sector. The 1957 Act of the same name has already been amended several times and further amendments might not clearly reflect the objects emanating from the new National Mineral Policy.The Bill also sought to empower the state governments to constitute special courts for the purpose of providing speedy trial of the offences relating to illegal mining. Besides, it had provisions for empowering the central government to intervene in the cases of illegal mining.

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has also asked the government to declare mining as a strategic and infrastructure sector, which is critical for the manufacturing growth of the nation. In a recent presentation to the mines ministry, it said critical steps such as allowing transfer of mining licences from one company to another seamlessly could be taken with almost immediate effect.

It has also asked for a reduction in the role of GSI as an explorer and instead focus its activities in creating an environment which attracts exploration activity.

“We believe that capacity building within state machinery should be expedited so that deemed approvals do not have to be resorted to; instead the approval process should be such that time-bound renewals can take place,” CII said.

The Indian mining sector is one of the most heavily taxed in the world, it further said.