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          This Bill is also regarding the allocation of the minerals and mining leases, classification of minerals, devolution of powers vested with the Central Government to the State Governments, simplification of procedure, formalities and regulations and also creation of two main institutions or organisations.  One is the District Mineral Foundation and the other is National Mineral Exploration Trust. 

Policy matters are also highlighted in the Bill.  Such an important Bill having drastic effect in the mining sector should not be brought in the form of an Ordinance.  It should have first come to the House so as to scrutinise the Bill regarding its validity and contents.  So, we, the entire Opposition, strongly disapprove the Ordinance promulgated by the Government through His Excellency, the President of India.

Also, I do approve the procedures in which the Central Government’s approval is not required as far as mining of certain minerals are concerned.

I would like to state that mining plan should be prepared by the State Government. Here, there is devolution of powers from the Central to the State Governments. Formerly, by the existing Act, the entire responsibility and authority were vested with the Government of India. There are many difficulties in providing mining leases. First of all, we have to get the permission of the Indian Bureau of Mining for which a mining plan has to be prepared by the Indian Bureau of Mining. The mining plan with the necessary requirements have to come from the Government of India. Then, only the State Government is able to provide mining lease according to the Mines and Minerals Development Regulation Act of 1957. The entire and absolute right is still vested with the State Government. To issue mining lease, that is not changed. I fully endorse the view.