Shillong: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Thursday urged coal miners and other stakeholders not to dismiss the state government’s proposal to examine possible changes related to coal mining regulations before hearing the findings of a technical team scheduled to make a presentation on June 22.
His remarks came a day after Jaintia Coal Owners, Miners, Suppliers and Workers Association (JCOMSWA) rejected the government’s request for three months to study and address concerns.
Responding to questions from reporters, Tynsong said changing or exempting provisions of a central law is not a simple process and cannot be done at the state government’s discretion.
“I don’t know why they are saying they cannot wait. This is not something where you can simply write a paper and change the law. People need to understand the reality. This is a central law,” he said.
Tynsong also expressed concern over what he described as misinformation being circulated regarding the applicability of the MMDR Act in Meghalaya because of its Sixth Schedule status.
“Some people are saying the MMDR Act should not be implemented in Meghalaya because we are a Sixth Schedule area. That is totally misinformed,” he said.
The deputy chief minister maintained that while the state government can quickly revisit state laws, any changes involving central legislation would require following due process, including taking up the matter with the Government of India and, if necessary, seeking amendments.
“If it is a state law, we are ready to revisit it immediately. But if it is against a central law, there are processes that must be followed step by step,” he said, adding that the government remains responsive to issues affecting the people of Meghalaya.
Addressing criticism that the MDA government had claimed credit for introducing scientific coal mining despite mining activities not taking off on the ground, Tynsong said the government had already fulfilled its role by facilitating the issuance of mining licences.
“Licences have been granted. It is not the government that carries out mining activities. These activities are undertaken by private parties. You cannot blame the government as if we are supposed to do the mining ourselves,” he said.
The comments come amid growing protests by small-scale coal miners, some of whom have staged hunger strikes and demonstrations, demanding a mining policy tailored to Meghalaya’s unique land ownership and traditional governance systems.
On demands for a state-specific policy, Tynsong said the government would first hear the findings of a technical team tasked with studying the issue.
“On the 22nd, there will be a detailed presentation by the technical team. They have done their homework diligently and will examine whether it is possible to exempt or address issues relating to the MMDR Act,” he said.
According to Tynsong, stakeholders have also been invited to attend the presentation so they can better understand the legal and technical realities surrounding coal mining regulations in the state.
“We have invited all stakeholders to be present and see the reality of how it can be done,” he added.
The presentation is expected to play a key role in shaping the government’s next steps on a matter that has become a major point of contention between coal-dependent communities and the state administration.
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