Consider the following statements:
Statement I: In India, State Governments have no power for making rules for grant of concessions in respect of extraction of minor minerals even though such minerals are located in their territories.
Statement II: In India, the Central Government has the power to notify minor minerals under the relevant law.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Detailed Explanation:
Under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), State Governments have the power to make rules regarding the grant of quarry leases, mining leases, and other concessions for minor minerals.
However, the Central Government has the authority to notify which minerals will be classified as minor minerals under the Act.
Why the statements are correct/incorrect:
| Statement | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| I | ❌ Incorrect | State Governments can make rules for granting concessions related to minor minerals. |
| II | ✅ Correct | Central Government notifies and classifies minerals as minor minerals under the MMDR Act. |
📝 Short Notes: Minor Minerals under MMDR Act
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | MMDR Act, 1957 |
| Classification Power | Central Government |
| Regulation of Concessions | State Governments |
| Examples | Sand, gravel, clay, ordinary stone |
| Purpose | Local construction and small-scale mining activities |
Key Fact:
Minor minerals are regulated mainly by State Governments, but their classification as "minor minerals" is decided by the Central Government.
Question 1 of 5 Legislative Relations
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