Centre to Review Meghalaya Coal Mining Control Proposal

Shillong: The Union government agreed to form a committee to examine Meghalaya's push for local control over coal mining permits. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma met with Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy in New Delhi on Tuesday to demand power transfers under Section 26 of the Mines and Minerals Act. Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla also joined the talks.

Sangma argued that current federal rules fail the state. Most coal sits on small, family-owned plots. The mandatory 100-hectare concession rule makes legal mining impossible for local tribes. Red tape and costs keep small-scale miners sidelined. Sangma said the panel is expected to be formed soon.

The state wants to process approvals locally to bring back mining while keeping environmental safeguards in place. A 2014 National Green Tribunal ban on rat-hole mining crippled the industry. This shutdown dried up tax revenue and hit East Jaintia Hills families hard. The proposed committee will study the request before any official policy shifts occur.