Question

As per MMDR Act 1957, for the allocation of lease of minor minerals

• A. the State Government is authorised to give the permit.
• B. the Central Government is authorised to give the permit.
• C. the State Government is authorised to give permit but with the consent of Central Government.
• D. the Central Government is authorised to give permit but with the consent of State Government.

Hint:

To remember: Major minerals → Central Government; Minor minerals → State Government (no approval needed).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understand classification of minerals in MMDR Act.
The MMDR Act 1957 classifies minerals into two categories: - Major minerals (regulated by Central Government)
- Minor minerals (regulated exclusively by State Governments)
Examples of minor minerals include sand, gravel, ordinary clay, building stone, etc.

Step 2: Administrative powers under the Act.
For minor minerals, the Act clearly delegates powers of: - granting quarry leases
- granting mining permits
- prescribing rules for extraction to the State Governments alone.

Step 3: Why the Central Government is not involved.
The Central Government has no approval or supervisory role in granting leases for minor minerals. It only issues guidelines but the implementation and permit approval is the exclusive responsibility of the State Governments. Thus, the correct option is (A).

Final Answer: The State Government alone has the authority to issue permits for minor minerals.