Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Rajendra Shukla has said that the fiscal burden of minerals’ exploration in the State should be borne from the NMET Fund. He informed that process to auction five coal blocks in Madhya Pradesh has been started. Besides, a Rs 25 crore proposal for modernisation of Mineral Resources Department has also been sent to the Centre.
Minister Shukla was addressing a meeting of NMET Board of Directors in New Delhi on Friday. The meeting was presided over by Union Mining Minister Narendra Singh Tomar. Union Minister of State for Energy Piyush Goyal was also present.
Shukla informed that the State Government has chalked out a scheme at regional level for exploration and prospecting of mineral blocks in the State. The scheme will cost Rs 16.39 crore. He informed that the State will get 2 per cent of revenue from main minerals i.e. about Rs 36 crore till October 2015. He informed that entire amount to be received by the state from NMET Fund is proposed to be spent on exploration of minerals in the State.
Shukla informed that it would be proper to pay Rs 16.39 crore from NMET Fund to Central Government undertaking MECl which is doing exploration work in 4 coal blocks in the state.
Shukla informed that entire work of Mineral Resources Department is being done on its e-khanij portal. This has ensured transparency in tenders and other works.
The meeting discussed auction provisions to be included in Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act-2015. The Central Government has decided that 2 percent of royalty payable as per Section 9 C (4) of amendment Act should be deposited in NMET Fund. Minister Shukla said that Madhya Pradesh government fully agrees to NMET Fund scheme proposed by the Centre.