Conrad seeks Centre's nod to ease coal mining approvals for Meghalaya's tribal landowners

Shillong, July 7: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has urged the Centre to delegate key coal mining approval powers to the state, arguing that the move would help thousands of tribal families resume lawful mining and revive livelihoods hit by the decade-long restrictions on coal extraction.

During a meeting with Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy in New Delhi, Sangma requested the Centre to delegate powers under Section 26 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, enabling Meghalaya to grant previous approvals and clear mining plans within the state.

Today in New Delhi, I met the Hon’ble Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri @kishanreddybjp ji, on an issue that is close to my heart and to the lives of thousands of families across our coal-bearing regions.

Meghalaya is a Sixth Schedule State, where the land and the… pic.twitter.com/tHj5iDPzHT

— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) July 7, 2026

The Chief Minister said the existing system requires small coal-holders to obtain approvals from authorities outside Meghalaya, making the process costly and impractical.

Accompanied by Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla, Sangma highlighted Meghalaya’s unique land ownership system under the Sixth Schedule, where land and mineral rights belong to individuals, clans and communities rather than the state. He said this reality makes national mining norms, designed for large mining blocks, unsuitable for Meghalaya, where coal deposits are scattered across small family-owned holdings.

Sangma also pointed out that the 100-hectare minimum concession area prescribed under the 2021 Standard Operating Procedure has effectively prevented most genuine tribal coal owners from obtaining mining leases.

He said thousands of families have lost their primary source of income since the National Green Tribunal’s 2014 ban on rat-hole mining, while the state has also suffered significant revenue losses.
The Chief Minister urged the Centre to fulfil its earlier commitment to provide Meghalaya with a special mechanism by issuing the necessary notifications delegating mining approval powers to the state. A detailed memorandum was submitted to the Union Minister during the meeting.

Responding to the request, Kishan Reddy proposed the constitution of a committee to examine the matter. Sangma welcomed the suggestion, and a committee is expected to be formed shortly.

The state government said the move could pave the way for thousands of tribal coal-owning families to undertake mining legally under state regulation while ensuring compliance with environmental and mining laws.

Also Read: Govt stands with people, Uranium mining not allowed in Meghalaya: Dhar

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