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?
- (a) 1 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (a)
• Statement 1 is correct: sand is a minor mineral under Section 3(e) of the MMDR Act, 1957 (along with building stone, gravel, ordinary clay).
• Statement 3 is correct: Section 23C empowers State Governments to make rules to prevent illegal mining, transport and storage of minerals, including minor minerals.
• Statement 2 is wrong: under Section 15, the power to make rules for granting minor-mineral concessions lies with the State Governments, not the Centre.
• Hence 1 and 3 only, option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- Statement 2 is wrong: States, not the Centre, frame minor-mineral rules.
- (c) 3 only
- Statement 1 is also correct: sand is a minor mineral.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 2 is wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2019, held on 2 June 2019. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.