Consider the following statements : 1. In India, State Governments do not have the power to auction non-coal mines. 2. Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand do not have gold mines. 3. Rajasthan has iron ore mines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• Statement 3 is correct: Rajasthan has iron-ore deposits in Jaipur (Morija-Banol), Bhilwara, Sikar and Udaipur districts.
• Statement 1 is wrong: under the MMDR Amendment Act, 2015 State Governments conduct auctions of non-coal mineral blocks; the Centre auctions coal.
• Statement 2 is wrong: Andhra Pradesh has gold at Ramagiri (Anantapur) and Jharkhand at Parasi (Ranchi) and other sites.
• Hence 3 only, option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2
- Statements 1 and 2 are wrong: States auction non-coal mines and both States have gold.
- (b) 2 only
- Statement 2 is wrong: AP and Jharkhand have gold mines.
- (c) 1 and 3
- Statement 1 is wrong: States do auction non-coal mines.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2018, held on 3 June 2018. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.