With reference to the management of minor minerals in India consider the following statements:
- Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country.
- State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
- State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — 1 and 3 only
This question tests the understanding of the constitutional and legal framework governing minor minerals in India, particularly the division of powers between the Centre and States under the MMDR Act, 1957.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Sand is classified as a 'minor mineral' under Section 3(e) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, along with other minerals like gravel, clay, marble, and limestone.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: The power to frame rules regarding the grant of minor minerals lies with State Governments, not the Central Government. Section 15 of the MMDR Act empowers State Governments to make rules for regulating the grant of quarry leases, mining leases, and other mineral concessions in respect of minor minerals.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals under Section 15 of the MMDR Act, which includes measures for regulation, enforcement, and prevention of unauthorized extraction.
📝 Short Notes: Minor Minerals Management in India
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Framework | Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) |
| Classification | Minerals are classified into Major Minerals (Schedule 1) and Minor Minerals (Schedule 2) |
| Examples of Minor Minerals | Sand, gravel, clay, marble, limestone, laterite, kankar, murrum |
| Central Government Powers | Regulation of major minerals; power to amend schedules; overall policy framework |
| State Government Powers | Grant mining leases for minor minerals; frame rules for extraction, leasing, and transportation; prevent illegal mining; levy royalty and taxes |
| Constitutional Basis | Entry 23 (List II - State List) covers regulation and development of mines and mineral development subject to provisions of List I |
| 2015 Amendment | MMDR Amendment Act, 2015 gave more autonomy to states in minor mineral administration |
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