Lok Sabha passes Bill to provide fixed 50-year production lease for offshore minerals

Replying to the debate on the Bill, Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Bill aims to create a transparent auction route for allocation of mines.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Tuesday, Aug 1, 2023. (PTI Photo)

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The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Offshore Areas Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 that aims to provide a fixed 50-year production lease for offshore minerals.

The Bill was passed by a voice vote amid protests by Opposition members over Manipur issue. The Opposition members were demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation of the violence-hit state.

Replying to the debate on the Bill, Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Bill aims to create a transparent auction route for allocation of mines.

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The Bill also seeks to provide for grant of production lease to private sector only through auction by competitive bidding. It also provides for grant of operating rights without competitive bidding to a government or a government company, or a corporation in the mineral-bearing areas reserved by the central government.

The House also passed the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order Amendment Bill, 2023 which seeks to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 to modify the list of Scheduled Castes in the state of Chhattisgarh.

Later the House was adjourned for the day.

Harikishan Sharma

Harikishan Sharma, Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express' National Bureau, specializes in reporting on governance, policy, and data. He covers the Prime Minister’s Office and pivotal central ministries, such as the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Cooperation, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Rural Development, and Ministry of Jal Shakti. His work primarily revolves around reporting and policy analysis. In addition to this, he authors a weekly column titled "STATE-ISTICALLY SPEAKING," which is prominently featured on The Indian Express website. In this column, he immerses readers in narratives deeply rooted in socio-economic, political, and electoral data, providing insightful perspectives on these critical aspects of governance and society. ... Read More

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