Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 02 APR 2025 2:23PM by PIB Delhi

State-wise total number of Mining Leases for the major minerals in States included under the 5^th and 6^th Schedule areas of the country alongwith total areas and number of operational mines is given at Annexure I.  As per the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act, 1957 and the rules framed thereunder, the State Governments are empowered to grant mineral concessions for the minerals located within their respective jurisdiction and to collect the revenue generated there upon. The revenue from the mining leases accrues to the State Governments.

The subject matter of rehabilitation of displaced people is in the purview of State Governments.

During the last 5 years (2020-21 onwards) 7 leases have been granted in the Scheduled areas for the State of Madhya Pradesh covering total area of 107 hectares. For Gujarat, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, no mining lease has been granted in the past 5 years in Scheduled areas. As per the information received from the State Government of Madhya Pradesh, above 7 leases have been granted after obtaining all requisite permissions.

Annexure I

 

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO AT PART ‘A’ & ‘B’ IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5224 REGARDING ‘MINING LEASES ISSUED IN 5TH AND 6TH SCHEDULE AREAS’.

State-wise total number of Mining Leases for the major minerals, in in States included under the 5th and 6^th Schedule areas of the country with total area and number of operational mines.

State	Total Number of Leases	Sum of Total Lease Area (in Ha.)	Number of Operational/ Working Leases
Andhra Pradesh	27	657	10
Assam	6	859	4
Chhattisgarh	78	16146	38
Gujarat	3	1108	2
Jharkhand	31	4548	4
Madhya Pradesh	153	6318	77
Maharashtra	50	7102	33
Meghalaya	23	825	15
Odisha	127	40023	79
Rajasthan	17	6715	14
Telangana	15	1835	6
Grand Total	530	86136	282

 

This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

(Release ID: 2117705) Visitor Counter : 52

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 02 APR 2025 2:24PM by PIB Delhi

The comprehensive report on States Best Practices in Mining documents the best practices adopted by various States in mineral administration to promote peer learning among the States and contribute to the overall growth of the mining sector. The key recommendations made in the report, focusing on improving exploration efficiency, promoting sustainability, simplifying regulations, and enhancing community benefits, inter-alia include streamlining mining clearances and approvals, integration of exploration data with National Geoscience Data Repository, Star Rating for minor minerals, strengthening State Directorates of Mining and Geology for building technical capacity, operationalization of auctioned mineral blocks, adoption of Mining Surveillance System (MSS) and Mining Tenement System (MTS) for minor minerals to curb illegal mining, and creation of land banks to facilitate compensatory afforestation.

The main objectives of the newly launched Mining Tenement System (MTS) are to digitize & streamline the mining related processes, enhance transparency, facilitate better data management, enhance collaboration among stakeholders, provide a flexible system to accommodate future technology advancements and improve efficiency of mineral resource management.

By adopting best mining practices, small and medium scale mining operations in India can increase their competitiveness & operational efficiency, ensure sustainability, and hence, lead to overall growth of mining sector.

The 3^rd National Mining Ministers’ Conference, held in January 2025, was attended by the Mining Ministers from mineral-rich States, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders. A major focus was on the National Critical Mineral Mission, which aims at securing long-term sustainable supply of critical minerals and strengthening India’s critical mineral value chains, encompassing all stages from mineral exploration, mining, processing and recycling. During the Conference, State Governments were encouraged to take proactive steps to promote exploration, mining, processing, Research & Development (R&D) in critical minerals, fast-track the operationalization of auctioned mines, integrate exploration data into the National Geoscience Data Repository and encourage industries to acquire and bring critical minerals from abroad to strengthen domestic supply. The Conference also marked the launch of auction of the fifth tranche of 15 critical mineral blocks across eight States including critical minerals like Graphite, Tungsten, Rare Earth Elements (REEs), and Nickel. These initiatives are intended to build and strengthen domestic supply chains and contribute to India’s long-term goal of achieving self-sufficiency in critical minerals.

This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

(Release ID: 2117706) Visitor Counter : 55

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 02 APR 2025 2:25PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Coal has achieved a historic breakthrough, setting new records in captive and commercial coal production and dispatch for the financial year 2024-25. Total coal production surged to 190.95 million tonnes (MT) as of March 31, 2025, marking a remarkable 29.79% growth over the previous year’s 147.11 MT.

Coal dispatches also witnessed an extraordinary rise, reaching 190.42 MT, a 33.36% increase from the 142.79 MT recorded in FY 2023-24. These outstanding numbers reflect the sector’s resilience, efficiency, and crucial role in securing India’s energy needs, driving industries such as power, steel, and cement.

Both captive and commercial mines have contributed significantly to this success:

• Captive mines achieved 24.72% growth in production and 27.76% in dispatch from the previous year, ensuring a steady supply to core industries.
• Commercial mines led the momentum with a phenomenal 67.32% surge in production and a staggering 76.71% rise in dispatch from the previous year—a testament to India’s coal sector expansion and efficiency.

These record-breaking achievements directly reflect India’s strategic push for energy self-reliance, strengthening the country’s position as a global economic powerhouse. The Ministry of Coal remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a sustainable, efficient, and future-ready coal ecosystem that not only meets the nation’s growing energy demands but also aligns with India’s green development goals.

This milestone marks a crucial step toward realizing the Government’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, ensuring a resilient, energy-secure, and economically thriving India. With a strong focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability, the coal sector continues to power industrial growth, enhance economic progress, and shape a greener future for generations to come.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

(Release ID: 2117710) Visitor Counter : 95

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 02 APR 2025 2:25PM by PIB Delhi

The Central Government has launched the first tranche of auction of 13 offshore blocks on 28.11.2024 for grant of composite licence, i.e. exploration licence-cum-production lease, in accordance with the Offshore Areas Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002. These blocks include three blocks of construction sand off Kerala Coast, 3 blocks of Lime Mud off Gujarat Coast & 7 blocks of Polymetallic Nodules and Crust off Great Nicobar Island.

As per Rule 5(2) of the Offshore Areas Operating Right Rules, 2024, prior consultation with stakeholder Ministries/Departments including Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC) and Department of Fisheries is mandatory before notifying any offshore area for grant of operating right.

In the present case, the Ministry of Mines has consulted the MoEF&CC, Department of Fisheries and other related Ministries/Departments before notification of above blocks for auction and the no objection of all Ministries/Departments was received prior to notification for auction.

In order to conserve marine species, MoEF&CC has notified 130 Marine Protected Areas across the Coastal States and Islands and 106 coastal and marine sites have been identified and prioritized as Important Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Areas (ICMBAs) to take care of marine species conservation. The offshore blocks have been carved by excluding these areas.

As per the provisions of the Offshore Areas Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2024, before execution of an operating right, the bidders are required to obtain all consents, approvals, permits, no-objections and the like as may be required under applicable laws for commencement of production operations.

As per the provisions of the Offshore Areas Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2024, no production operations shall be undertaken except in accordance with a production plan. The production plan, inter-alia, includes environment management plan indicating baseline information, impact assessment and mitigation measures.

Further, Section 16A of the Act provides for establishment of Offshore Areas Mineral Trust as a non-profit autonomous body. Accordingly, the Offshore Areas Mineral Trust has been established vide S.O. 3246(E) dated 09.08.2024. The coastal States have been made members of the Governing Body and Executive Committee of the Trust.

The funds accruing to the aforesaid Trust shall, inter-alia, be used for research, administration, studies and related expenditure with respect to offshore areas and mitigation of any adverse impact that may be caused to the ecology in the offshore area, due to operations undertaken, providing relief upon the occurrence of any disaster in the offshore area and for the interest and benefit of persons affected by exploration or production operations undertaken.

This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

(Release ID: 2117708) Visitor Counter : 79

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 02 APR 2025 2:29PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram, replying today to a question of Dr Anil Sukhdeo rao Bonde in Rajya Sabha, has said that on 15th November 2023, Hon’ble Prime Minister launched Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) for socio-economic development of 75 PVTG communities residing in 18 states and one UT.

The objectives of the abhiyan are being met through 11 interventions implemented by 9-line Ministries. PM JANMAN has total budgetary outlay of Rs.24,104 Cr (Central share: ₹15336 Cr and State share: ₹8768 Cr).

The Union Minister who laid a statement in the upper house said that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has consistently been conducting IEC campaigns in collaboration with State/UT Governments to enhance the effectiveness of the Abhiyan. Two major nation-wide Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns under PM-JANMAN were held to raise awareness about the initiative. The campaigns took place from 15 December 2023 to 15 January 2024, and from 23 August 2024 to 02 October 2024. A range of national, state, and district-level events and activities were organized during these campaigns. Financial assistance was also provided to the relevant State/UT Governments under the Centrally Sponsored scheme ‘Support to Tribal Research Institutes (TRI)’ to facilitate the organization of state/district-level events and carry out activities such as Aadhar camps during the campaign period.

Additionally, the Ministry has been regularly conducting Manthan Shivirs at the national level in collaboration with partner ministries, State Tribal Welfare Departments, and District Collectors. Regular reviews and stakeholder consultations are also held to ensure the effective implementation of the Abhiyan.

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RN/PIB

(Release ID: 2117713) Visitor Counter : 69

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 02 APR 2025 2:30PM by PIB Delhi

The details of the Railway and Road Infrastructure projects in the North Eastern Region (NER) during the last five years from 2019-20 to 2023-24 is as under:

SN	Name of Scheme	No. of Projects	Length (in Kms)	Sanctioned Cost (in ₹crore)
1	Railway Line Constructed by Ministry of Railways	18	1,368	74,972
2	National Highways under Ministry of Road, Transport & Highways	–	6,806	77,654
3	PMGSY under Ministry of Rural Development	6,793	25,011	19,448.89
4	Roads under Ministry of DoNER	75	1255	4668

The railway projects are sanctioned Zonal Railway wise and not State-wise as the railway projects may span across state boundaries. However, the funds spent in respect of the State of Tripura by the MoRT&H, MoRD and MDoNER during the last five years from 2019-20 to 2023-24 for road projects are ₹4,988 crore, ₹606.71 crore and ₹347.82 crore respectively.  

The improved road and railway infrastructure in the NER has led to increase in access to markets, tourism, cross-border trade, skill generation, creation of construction jobs, lower logistics costs, faster movement of man and materials, attracting private investments, urban development etc.

This information was given by the Minister of State of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region Dr. Sukanta Majumdar in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

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Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2117715) Visitor Counter : 32

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 02 APR 2025 2:30PM by PIB Delhi

The Statistical Training Needs Assessment (STA) Survey Report systematically evaluates the existing training ecosystem and strategic planning for capacity building. The report highlights not only the existing strengths but also the areas where there are critical skill gaps, particularly in emerging areas. It prioritizes the required skills, examines learning styles and cultural contexts. The findings help to bridge skill gaps and align learning interventions with national priorities.

 The National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA) organizes training programmes in the field of Official Statistics and related disciplines covering the topics inter alia advanced technologies like AI, Big data analytics and machine learning. NSSTA also leverages the integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) Karmayogi platform for enhancing the competencies including those in advance technologies.

 The NSSTA also organizes talks, webinars, seminars, workshops and training programmes to share knowledge and global best practices in the field of Official Statistics and related disciplines.

In the recent National Sample Survey (NSS) rounds, for selected surveys, provision has been made in the sampling design by considering district as ‘Basic Stratum’, so that district level estimates can be generated by the States participating in the surveys.

This information was given by Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation; Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Planning and Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture Rao Inderjit Singh in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

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Samrat/Allen:

(Release ID: 2117714) Visitor Counter : 43

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 02 APR 2025 2:32PM by PIB Delhi

Development and promotion of tourism sector, is undertaken by the respective State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. Ministry of Tourism complements the efforts of States/Union Territory Administrations including North Eastern States in promotion of Tourism. Ministry of Tourism under the schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan’, ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’, ‘Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development’ provides financial assistance to State Governments/Union Territory Administrations/Central Agencies for the development of tourism related infrastructure in the country including North Eastern Region. Ministry of Tourism also promotes various tourist destinations of North Eastern Region through various initiatives including promotional events, assistance to State Governments, stakeholders for organizing fairs and festivals, participation in exhibitions, website and social media. The Ministry has been organizing International Tourism Mart (ITM) in the North Eastern Region to showcase the tourism potential of North Eastern States of India. The latest edition of ITM was held in Kaziranga, Assam from 26^th to 29^th November, 2024. Through its Central Institutes of Hotel Management (CIHMs) at Guwahati and Shillong, Ministry of Tourism imparts professional education and training in the field of hospitality to create a pool of manpower sufficient to meet the needs of the tourism and hospitality industry. For projects sanctioned by Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism encourages the State Governments/UT Administrations for due consultation with local communities during preparation of projects. Ministry of Tourism under its scheme Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) has undertaken various skill development programs to provide education, training and certification to the tourism service providers covering different level of Hospitality sector.

Further, promotion of tourism in the North Eastern Region is one of the focus sectors of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER). MDoNER under its scheme viz. North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE), Schemes of North Eastern Council etc. has sanctioned various infrastructure projects, which also support the tourism sector in North Eastern Region.

The details of Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) and Foreign Tourist Visits (FTVs) to North Eastern States during 2023 are given below:

S. No.	States	2023
		DTVs	FTVs
	Arunachal Pradesh	10,40,601	4,496
	Assam	76,12,720	23,818
	Manipur	57,701	3,668
	Meghalaya	13,71,674	19,973
	Mizoram	2,09,087	3,754
	Nagaland	99,720	4,725
	Sikkim	13,21,169	93,908
	Tripura	3,66,104	66,708
	Total	1,20,78,776	2,21,050

This information was given by the Minister of State of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region Dr. Sukanta Majumdar in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

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Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2117717) Visitor Counter : 32

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 02 APR 2025 2:32PM by PIB Delhi

Matters relating to Cyber Crime are under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as per allocation of the business rules. Department of Telecommunications (DoT) undertakes efforts to prevent misuse of telecom resources for cyber frauds. Further, ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. MHA has established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (14C) as an attached office to provide a framework and eco-system for Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to deal with cyber-crimes. MHA has also launched the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal- NCRP (https://cybercrime.gov.in) to enable public to report all type of cybercrimes. As per I4C, total number of complaints on NCRP and amount lost were 19.18 lakh and 22811.95 crore respectively in 2024. Further, DoT and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have devised a system to identify and block incoming international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers that appear to be originating from within India. These calls appeared to be originating within India but were being made by the cyber-criminals from abroad by spoofing the Calling Line Identity (CLI). 

DoT actively engages with citizens to raise awareness about telecom-related frauds & scams, to encourage the use of the Sanchar Saathi App/portal, a citizen centric initiative for accessing information, reporting suspected fraud communications, and staying updated on the latest telecom safety measures.  Engagement with citizens is through robust social media campaigns, regular press releases, SMS campaigns and collaboration with multiple stakeholders like Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs)/Banks/TSPs/Student Volunteers etc.

DoT has developed an online secure Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) for sharing of information related to misuse of telecom resources among the stakeholders for prevention of misuse of telecom resources for cyber-crime and financial frauds. About 560 organizations have been onboarded on DIP that include central security agencies, 35 State Police, TSPs, Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) etc.  The system to identify and block incoming international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers was commissioned on 17.10.2024 and it has shown significant results blocking 1.35 crore calls in 24 hours of its launch, after being identified as spoofed. As on 03.03.2025, calls identified as spoofed and blocked were only 4 lakh so the system has resulted in reduction of almost 97% incoming spoofed calls with Indian CLI.

This information was given by Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications & Rural Development, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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Samrat/Allen:

(Release ID: 2117716) Visitor Counter : 45

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 02 APR 2025 2:33PM by PIB Delhi

Government is implementing various schemes under Digital Bharat Nidhi for expansion of internet based telecom connectivity through installation of 4G mobile towers in the rural and remote areas of the country including 4G saturation project which aim to provide coverage in each village of the country. In addition, BharatNet project is being implemented in a phased manner to provide broadband connectivity such as Wi-Fi Hotspots, Fibre to the Home (FTTH) connections etc. to all the Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages on demand basis. As of February 2025, 2,14,323 GPs have been made service ready under BharatNet project in the country.

As of December 2024, out of 6,44,131 villages in country (village data as per Registrar General of India), around 6,25,853 villages are covered with mobile connectivity including 6,18,968 villages having 4G mobile coverage.

This information was given by Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications & Rural Development, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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Samrat/Allen:

(Release ID: 2117718) Visitor Counter : 40