Photo Courtesy: nenow
Shillong: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has dismissed claims that the state can bypass federal mining regulations, emphasizing that any adjustments to coal extraction policies must align with the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957. Tynsong addressed growing frustration among miners in the Jaintia Hills, clarifying that the state government lacks the legal authority to unilaterally override national parliamentary laws.
Addressing the common misconception that the state's status under the Sixth Schedule grants it immunity from federal mining statutes, Tynsong stated, "Any change involving the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, would require action at the national level and cannot be carried out by the state government alone." He added that while the state can amend its own legislation, it remains bound by the procedures mandated by the Union government.
The Jaintia Coal Owners, Miners, Suppliers and Workers Association continues to clash with the government over current regulations. Specifically, the group contends that the scientific mining mandate requiring a 100-hectare lease is impractical for local landowners. Tynsong rejected accusations of administrative inaction, noting that the government is currently facilitating the approval process while leaving the actual operations to private licence holders.
To address these tensions, a panel of experts is scheduled to present findings on June 22. This session will provide stakeholders with a detailed breakdown of legal and technical constraints, aiming to clarify the limits of the current framework and identify any potential for future policy adjustments.
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