New Delhi/Shillong, July 7 -- Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Tuesday urged the Centre to invoke Section 26 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, to empower the state to grant prior approval for coal mining leases and approve mining plans.
During a meeting with union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy in New Delhi, Sangma said the move would allow thousands of small tribal coal-holders to obtain lawful mineral concessions and the necessary approvals within the State itself.
National People's Party (NPP) MLA, Santa Mary Shylla accompanied the Chief Minister.
Highlighting Meghalaya's unique constitutional position under the Sixth Schedule, Sangma explained to Reddy that ownership of land and the m...