Mineral policy changed to bring in transparency: Minister

New Delhi, Dec 18 (UNI) The Government today said the reason for changing the present policy for leasing of lignite/coal blocks was to bring about transparency and objectivity in the selection process.

Replying to questions, Minister of state for Mines T Subbarami Reddy told the Rajya Sabha that with the increase in demand for coal and limited number of coal blocks available, his Ministry had felt the need "to bring about transparency and objectivity in the process of selection of applicants for such blocks." Replying to supplementaries, he said in a written reply that though state governments were the owners of the minerals and granted mineral concessions, prior approval of the Centre was required in respect of minerals in First Schedule to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

Dr Reddy assured the members that "as per available information, there is no proposal to deprive the rights of state government to grant mineral concessions." UNI SD KR RS1529