With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements:
1. Sand is a 'minor mineral' according to the prevailing law in the country.
2. State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
3. State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 3 only

2 and 3 only

3 only

1, 2 and 3

APEDIA

UPSC Prelims

2019 • 02 Jun, 2019 • Paper-1

With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements:
1. Sand is a 'minor mineral' according to the prevailing law in the country.
2. State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
3. State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer

1 and 3 only

Statement 1 Analysis: This is legally correct. Under Section 3(e) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, ordinary sand used for const......

💡 Analysis & Explanation

Statement 1 Analysis ▼

This is legally correct. Under Section 3(e) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, ordinary sand used for construction purposes is explicitly classified as a 'minor mineral'.

Statement 2 Analysis ▼

This is incorrect. State Governments have both the power to grant mining leases for minor minerals AND the exclusive statutory power to frame all rules regarding the grant and regulation of these leases, not the Central Government.

Statement 3 Analysis ▼

This is correct. Section 23C of the MMDR Act specifically empowers the State Governments to formulate comprehensive rules for preventing illegal mining, transportation, and storage of minor minerals.

Conclusion ▼

Statements 1 and 3 are accurate, pointing to option A.

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