India, July 9 -- Meghalaya has asked the Centre to delegate powers to the state to approve coal mining plans and grant previous approval under the MMDR Act.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the move would help small tribal coal holders obtain lawful mineral concessions within the state.

The proposal comes after the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council passed resolutions seeking removal of restrictions imposed after the 2014 NGT ban on rat-hole mining.

Activists say the state has not provided a clear blueprint for transparency, worker safety, livelihood protection or preventing land grabs and environmental damage.

The Meghalaya government has approached the Centre seeking powers to approve coal mining plans within the state, da...