South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai raised the matter of small-scale miners of minor minerals in the state, who feel hard done by the Meghalaya government because of the application of rules governing their business.
In the Assembly today, Shullai took note of recent closure notices imposed on traditional small-scale mining of sand, boulders or other minor minerals for local use.
Moving a zero hour notice, Shullai said that this small-scale mining has been done by the locals in rural areas and is an important source of livelihood.
Pointing out that rules for commercial vehicle owners have also affected the trade as they have to pay a large amount for renewal of vehicle permits, the MLA suggested the state government amend the Meghalaya Minor Minerals Concession Rules 2016 to benefit small-scale mining.
“The government can constitute a committee in this regard to amend the existing rules,” Shullai said.
In reply, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said that the rules were notified by the state government in order to adhere to a judgement and order of the High Court of Meghalaya that prohibited all mining activities unless certain directions were complied with.
