Shillong, Aug 14: The state government has formed a committee to push for changes in coal mining rules to help small-time miners.
The committee was formed following a meeting between Union Coal Ministry and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who sought a relaxation of the 100-hectare minimum area criterion.
“My request was to make the necessary changes to allow small-time miners with lesser area to also be able to enter legal mining. The current requirement of 100 hectares as the minimum level is too high, and most of the local miners are not able to apply,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the Union Minister was receptive and asked the state to constitute a committee a month ago.
The committee has been formed with Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, Advocate General, and Director of Mining on board from the state.
One meeting of the committee has been held so far, with two rounds of talks also held with the Additional Secretary and the technical team.
“The second meeting is due in the next couple of weeks. We are very hopeful that we will be able to find a positive solution so that our small-time miners can operate their mines in a safe and legal manner,” Sangma added.
