Proposal to Resume Coal Mining
The Voice of the People Party (VPP) in Meghalaya suggests bringing the state under Article 371 to resume rat-hole coal mining, which has been banned since April 2014.
Article 371 and Nagaland Example
Article 371 grants special powers to certain states in India.
Article 371A in Nagaland protects land resources and customary law, preventing external interference in local affairs like mining.
Rat-Hole Mining in Nagaland vs Meghalaya
The proposal argues that rat-hole mining in Nagaland continues due to Article 371A protection, unlike in Meghalaya, where the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned it.
It suggests that Article 371 could shield coal mining activities in Meghalaya from legal challenges.
Support and Opposition
Some political parties support incorporating aspects of Article 371 to strengthen the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
Other parties oppose, stating that Article 371 and the Sixth Schedule are incompatible.
Recent Developments
The Coal Controller signed agreements for mining sites in Meghalaya’s districts, which has sparked discussions about resuming coal mining.
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