By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has defended the state government’s handling of the coal mining issue, saying any decision on the sector must remain within the framework of central legislation and cannot be taken solely by the state.
His statement comes amid growing frustration among coal miners, particularly in Jaintia Hills, where stakeholders have opposed the government’s suggestion to spend the next few months examining possible remedies before taking further steps.
According to Tynsong, much of the debate surrounding coal mining has been influenced by misunderstandings about the legal provisions governing the sector.
He said some groups have wrongly argued that central mining laws do not apply to Meghalaya because the state falls under the Sixth Schedule.
The Deputy Chief Minister maintained that such claims are not supported by law. He explained that 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.
While Meghalaya can amend legislation enacted by the state, matters linked to parliamentary laws must follow procedures laid down by the Union government, he said.
Tynsong also rejected allegations that the government has failed to respond to the concerns of miners. He said efforts are continuing to identify options that are legally viable and capable of addressing issues raised by stakeholders.
On criticism regarding scientific mining, he said approvals have already been granted under the system. However, he noted that obtaining clearances and beginning extraction are separate matters, adding that the actual operation of mines rests with licence holders and project operators.
He said the government’s responsibility is to create the regulatory environment and process approvals, while mining activities themselves are undertaken by private parties.
Meanwhile, a panel of experts is reviewing concerns raised by stakeholders and is expected to present its findings on June 22.
Stakeholders have been invited to attend the session, where legal and technical aspects of the mining sector will be explained in detail.
Tynsong said the presentation is expected to outline what scope, if any, exists under the current legal framework to address demands made by coal miners and whether any exemptions or changes can be considered.
The remarks follow a recent disagreement between the government and the Jaintia Coal Owners, Miners, Suppliers and Workers Association (JCOMSWA).
The association rejected a proposal to formulate a small-scale mining policy and instead pressed for changes to existing conditions governing coal extraction.
A major concern for the association is the requirement under the scientific mining regime that a lease applicant must have access to at least 100 hectares of land.
JCOMSWA has argued that the condition is unrealistic for most landowners in Jaintia Hills.
The association argues that mining regulations should be redesigned to reflect local landholding patterns, saying most residents are effectively excluded from the sector under the present eligibility criteria.