Srinagar | Aug 18: Jammu and Kashmir government has granted mining rights of minor minerals to Panchayats up to one hectare land area.
According to the government, the decision was taken after the amendment of Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016.
In a notification issued by the Commissioner Secretary to the Government, Industries and Commerce Department, the amendment granted Short Term Permits to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) on land up to one hectare, till 30th September 2021 or till such period as may be notified by the government.
It also exempts PRIs from payment of advance royalty to Geology and Mining Department before commencing mining.
On July 18, the Administrative Council (AC), which met here under the chairmanship of the then Lieutenant Governor, G C Murmu, had approved the amendment of Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016.
The decision is aimed at empowering PRIs to raise funds through mining surpluses and address shortage of key construction material in local market, besides keeping a check on their prices.
The Administrative Council further allowed the Department of Geology and Mining to apply and secure clearances like Mining Plans, Environmental Clearance and Consent to Operate, from the Competent Authorities on behalf of the Panchayats.
Earlier, the administration had amended rules to give Block Development Council (BDC) chairpersons a status equivalent to that of an Army brigadier.
According to the warrant of precedence issued by the Hospitality and Protocol department of Jammu and Kashmir, BDC chairpersons have been placed at serial number 28.
This year, non-local companies have bagged all the major contracts for the extraction of minerals from the water bodies of Kashmir.
Many local businessmen could not submit the bidding process online owing to the suspension of high-speed internet connectivity in Kashmir after the Government of India (GoI) abrogated Article 370 on August 5 last year.
Xxxxxxxx
