The State Government has implemented new sand rules in the year 2019. On the basis of these, proposals have been made to conduct groups for three years by inviting tenders of sand mines in the State. According to these proposals, Madhya Pradesh State Mineral Corporation is going to start online tendering process.
Giving this information, the Minister for Mineral Resources Pradeep Jaiswal said that a large number of positive suggestions regarding rules were received in the interest of the state after the Chief Minister called suggestions from the general public and interested businessmen. A total of 408 suggestions were received through various channels. After deliberating on each suggestion, the entire process and rules of operation of the mines have been approved.
Jaiswal informed that sand mines are found in 43 districts of the state. Among them, the quantum of tax has been estimated by the department after cent percent survey. District-wise groups have been formed. The largest group belongs to Hoshangabad district, whose reserve price will be Rs 96 crore. A total of five districts are of a reserve price of Rs 25 crore or more and 23 districts have been kept at a reserve price of Rs 10 crore or less.
The proceedings of tenders and operation of sand mines will be conducted by Madhya Pradesh State Mineral Corporation through the tender portal of NIC, Government of India. To participate in the tender, it is necessary to deposit 25 percent of the reserve price as security fund. Obtaining successful statutory approvals and permissions is the responsibility of the contractor.
According to the new rules, gram panchayats in which these mines are located will get increased amount of local development than before. The district will also get the amount of local development under DMF. The potter and the traditional local craftsmen will have concession as before. Employing local residents is mandatory. Mining through machines in mines on the Narmada River will be completely prohibited.
Principal Secretary Neeraj Mandloi informed that the tender process will be completed within one month of publication of the tender. After this, the successful contractor may take one to two months to get various statutory permissions. Extensive provisions have been made in the rules during this period so the supply of sand remains constant in the State.