UPSC Prelims 2025 Question on Minor Minerals Regulation India
Q. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: In India, State Governments have no power for making rules for grant of concessions in respect of extraction of minor minerals even though such minerals are located in their territories. Statement II: In India, the Central Government has the power to notify minor minerals under the relevant law.
✅ Correct Answer: (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
Explanation:
Statement I – Incorrect: Under Section 15 of the MMDR Act, state governments are empowered to make rules for granting concessions for minor minerals. They manage lease/licensing within their territory.
Statement II – Correct: The central government has the authority to declare a mineral as a minor mineral through official notification, as per Section 3(e) of the MMDR Act.
