Keep us out of Mines Act: Meghalaya

Shillong: The Meghalaya assembly on Monday unanimously approved a resolution tabled by chief minister Mukul Sangma, urging the Centre to issue a presidential notification seeking exemption from application of Mines & Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and Coal Mines (Nationalization) Act, 1973 in the state.
Sangma is also in-charge of the mining and geology department.
According to the resolution, the state government had notified the Meghalaya Mines & Minerals Policy, 2012, to promote safe, scientific and sustainable development of mineral resources here. However, while implementing the policy, it was found that customary practices and rights had come into conflict with the provisions of Mines & Minerals Act, 1957 and Coal Mines Act, 1973. It also stated that coal mining has been going on in the state from the pre-Independence period in accordance with the customary practices. The Centre had earlier made it clear that it has no intention of deny the tribals their rights or cause them any hardship.
The resolution also stated that for complying with the directives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which has imposed a ban on coal mining in the state, it was imperative to resolve the conflict between the central statutes and customary laws.
“The state government has submitted a proposal to the Centre to issue a presidential notification in the exercise of power conferred under para 12A (b) of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution withdrawing the application of Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 and Coal Mines (Nationalization) Act, 1973 from Meghalaya,” the resolution said.
It urged the Centre to consider the request of the state and accordingly issue the notification.
Former chief minister and adviser to the state government, D D Lapang, leader of the opposition, Donkupar Roy, other opposition members Paul Lyngdoh , K P Pangniang, Witting Mawsor and MLA RV Lyngdoh expressed their views ehen the resolution was taken up for discussion in the House.
After a thorough discussion, the resolution was unanimously approved by the House.