Guwahati: The Centre has agreed to set up a committee to examine Meghalaya’s proposal for greater control over coal mining approvals, marking a step forward in the state’s demand.
The issue was discussed on Tuesday during a meeting in New Delhi between Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy. Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla was also present.
Seeking changes to the existing approval system, Sangma requested the Centre to transfer powers under Section 26 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, to the state government.
He also submitted a memorandum explaining why Meghalaya believes the current framework needs to be revised.
According to the Chief Minister, coal reserves in Meghalaya are scattered across small plots owned by individual families and clans, making the existing mining model followed elsewhere in the country unsuitable for the state.
He said the mandatory 100-hectare mining concession requirement has prevented many tribal landowners from undertaking legal mining because such large, continuous landholdings are uncommon in Meghalaya.
He also argued that obtaining approvals from central authorities is expensive and impractical for miners operating on small deposits.
Sangma urged the Union government to issue the necessary notifications under Section 26 and related provisions of the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960, and the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017.
He said this would allow the state to process approvals locally while ensuring mining activities continue under environmental and legal safeguards.
Responding to the proposal, Kishan Reddy suggested constituting a committee to examine the state’s request and recommend the way forward. Sangma welcomed the move, saying the panel is expected to be formed soon.
The discussions come against the backdrop of the National Green Tribunal’s 2014 ban on rat-hole coal mining, which brought mining activities to a halt across large parts of Meghalaya.
The restrictions had a major impact on families dependent on the sector, particularly in East Jaintia Hills, while also reducing government revenue from coal-related taxes and royalties.
Despite the Centre’s decision to examine the proposal, no policy change has been approved so far.
The committee will only review Meghalaya’s request and submit its recommendations, after which the Union government will decide whether any changes to the existing system are required.
If reforms are eventually introduced, they are expected to focus on enabling scientific mining while maintaining environmental safeguards, worker safety and regulatory oversight.