Shillong, Jul 10: The Jaintia Students Movement (JSM) has welcomed the demand made by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to the central government for delegation of coal mining powers to the state.
The JSM, in a statement today, said that this is the “most viable path” to bring back regulated coal mining in Jaintia Hills.
The CM had recently put forward a suggestion to the Centre that powers under Section 26 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957 be delegated to the state. This is to help ease the burden of coal mine owners, especially small holders, who currently have to travel to Delhi or Kolkata for necessary formalities. The Meghalaya government also wants a reduction in the 100 hectare minimum requirement for coal mines.
However, while approving the CM’s request, the JSM asserted that the state must not dilute the constitutional rights of the autonomous district council under the Sixth Schedule.
Once the powers are delegated by the Centre, the JSM urges that the Meghalaya government must draft the proposed law in full consultation with the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC). The draft law should then be passed by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and receive the assent of the Governor, so that it has full legal force.
This joint approach of state plus JHADC will ensure that the law reflects both the developmental needs of the state and the traditional rights, customs and land ownership of the tribal people protected under the Sixth Schedule, it opined.
