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`Decentralise power in mining sector'

Special Correspondent

`Vital for mineral-rich States like Rajasthan'

JAIPUR: Rajasthan Mines and Forest Minister Laxminarain Dave has called upon the Centre to decentralise powers under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and authorise the State Governments to dispose of all matters relating to the mineral wealth to speed up development of mines and mineral sector.

Mr. Dave, addressing the 28th meeting of the National Mineral Advisory Council in New Delhi on Monday, said the Centre was trying to take away the powers of States under the new policy despite the fact that liberalisation envisaged transfer of authority to States to reduce red-tapism.

The Minister emphasised that decentralisation of powers was vital for Rajasthan, where 41 kinds of major minerals and 28 minor minerals were found. Lead, silver, zinc, gypsum, copper, phosphate fluoride, clay, granite, marble and sandstone are some of the significant minerals found in the desert State.

He said the State subjects should not be transferred to the Centre and measures should be taken to check delays in formalities relating to forest land and environmental clearance. "Merely bringing the formalities within the Centre's jurisdiction will not expedite the matters of mining sector," said the Minister.

He called for ending "monopolistic practices'' in the mineral policy to ensure scientific exploitation of mineral wealth as well as labour welfare.

Union Mines Minister Sis Ram Ola, Minister of State for Mines T. Subbarami Reddy, and Chief Ministers of several mineral-rich States attended the meeting.

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