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Pala lauded for mining bill amendment

By Correspondent

SHILLONG, April 19 � Local coal miners and owners in Meghalaya have hailed the effort of Shillong MP Vincent Pala for bringing an amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015 which would help States like Meghalaya to incorporate their own mining plan drafted according to local conditions.

The State Co-ordination Committee of Coal Owners, Miners and Dealers Forum (SCCCOMDF) said the plan would enable the State to come out with a suitable mining plan that would help the people of the State and also find a solution to the National Green Tribunal�s ban on coal mining.

SCCCOMDF media secretary, Balios Swer said miners and owners are grateful for the effort of Shillong MP Pala that helped in the inclusion of an amendment in the Central legislation.

He said the proposed amendment to clause 9 in the bill recognises the right of the minority communities over their resources. Accordingly, the State Governments, by virtue of the amendment, would now frame mining rules and shall be guided by the provision contained in Article 244 of the Fifth and Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

He further stated that the Bill was passed by both the houses of Parliament and is therefore a great boost for a State like Meghalaya having high stakes in mining of minerals.

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