What is the Centre’s view on the recent resolutions passed by Odisha?
The Shah Commission has submitted its reports on Goa and we have tabled them in Parliament. It is still to submit its report on Odisha. While we wait for their report, we have asked our officials to look into certain issues, such as the resolutions passed by the state (Odisha), which, according to media reports, are worrying industry. We will take a call on what the central government’s role can be in this regard soon.
Don't all mining controversies end up with the Centre and state governments blaming each other?
It doesn't matter whether the governments in the state or Centre are from different parties. This affects companies, small or big, guilty or not guilty, that as part of the primary sector have a role in strengthening the economy. It is the ministry’s job to encourage legal business. While the responsibility to check illegal mining as such lies with the states, if the Centre and the states concerned sit together, I believe they can resolve it.
When can we expect the new MMDR bill?
I am hopeful that the Parliamentary Standing Committee will submit its report soon. But after it is finalised, it has to be discussed. The new Bill not only gives greater powers to states but also has a provision that will bar lease owners who have indulged in illegal mining from doing business. The problem is that royalty has rarely gone into the areas where mining takes place. With the new Bill, people of the district will have an amount equal to royalty (or 26% of profits in case of coal) to get cleaner drinking water, schools, better roads, a healthcare centre, or whatever else they want. It will empower local representatives, the mukhia, and the MLA to work under the collector to identify what they can do with this. Even neighbouring districts will benefit. I believe that when the locals are made stakeholders, it will make a material difference in checking illegal mining. They then will report any illegality.
The Shah Commission has submitted its reports on Goa and we have tabled them in Parliament. It is still to submit its report on Odisha. While we wait for their report, we have asked our officials to look into certain issues, such as the resolutions passed by the state (Odisha), which, according to media reports, are worrying industry. We will take a call on what the central government’s role can be in this regard soon.
Don't all mining controversies end up with the Centre and state governments blaming each other?
It doesn't matter whether the governments in the state or Centre are from different parties. This affects companies, small or big, guilty or not guilty, that as part of the primary sector have a role in strengthening the economy. It is the ministry’s job to encourage legal business. While the responsibility to check illegal mining as such lies with the states, if the Centre and the states concerned sit together, I believe they can resolve it.
When can we expect the new MMDR bill?
I am hopeful that the Parliamentary Standing Committee will submit its report soon. But after it is finalised, it has to be discussed. The new Bill not only gives greater powers to states but also has a provision that will bar lease owners who have indulged in illegal mining from doing business. The problem is that royalty has rarely gone into the areas where mining takes place. With the new Bill, people of the district will have an amount equal to royalty (or 26% of profits in case of coal) to get cleaner drinking water, schools, better roads, a healthcare centre, or whatever else they want. It will empower local representatives, the mukhia, and the MLA to work under the collector to identify what they can do with this. Even neighbouring districts will benefit. I believe that when the locals are made stakeholders, it will make a material difference in checking illegal mining. They then will report any illegality.
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