15-Dec-2021: Stringent Measures to Curb Illegal Mining

Government has, inter-alia, taken following measures for preventing illegal mining in the country:

1. Penalty for illegal mining was made more stringent by the Central Government through amendment of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act). The penalties have been increased from Rs. 25 thousand per hectare to Rs. 5 Lakh per hectare and the term of imprisonment has been increased from 2 years to 5 years for contravention of Section 4(1) and 4(1A) of the MMDR Act.
2. Section 30B of the MMDR Act provides for constitution of Special courts and Section 30C provides that such Special Courts shall be deemed to be a Court of Session.
3. Rule 45 of the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017 makes it mandatory for all miners, traders, stockist, exporters and end-users of minerals to register and report on the production, trade and utilization of minerals to the State Government(s) and Indian Bureau of Mines.

Further, Section 23C of the MMDR Act empowers the State Governments to frame rules for preventing illegal mining, transportation and storage of minerals for both major and minor minerals and for purposes connected therewith. Hence, prevention and control of illegal mining comes under the legislative and administrative jurisdiction of State Governments. Accordingly, 21 State Governments have framed rules under Section 23C of MMDR Act to curb illegal mining. Moreover, 22 States have set up Task Forces to control illegal mining and review the action taken by member departments for checking the illegal mining activities at state and district levels.

Stone is a minor mineral under Section 3(e) of the MMDR Act. Section 15 of the MMDR Act empowers the State Governments for making rules for regulating the grant of quarry leases, mining leases or other mineral concessions in respect of minor minerals including stone and for purposes connected therewith. Hence, the regulation of minor minerals comes under the legislative and administrative domain of the State Governments.

3-Dec-2021: Awareness against witch hunting

Harassment, torture, murder or other forms of violence which tend to get associated with the practice of witch-hunting are already punishable under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. The responsibilities to maintain law and order, protection of life and property of citizens, investigation and prosecution of crime against women, including for witch hunting and related forms of violence, rest with the respective State Governments. The State Governments are competent to deal with such offences under the extant provisions of laws.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has got a study conducted on 'Violence against Dalit Women in Different States of India’ which also included the menace of witch-hunting. The Government takes into account the recommendations of NCW for strengthening the policies and programmes from time to time.

The Government is making concerted efforts for protection of women and girls and advancing their rights by addressing the issue of safety and security through various schematic and legislative interventions. The Government and its associated organisations such as NCW also undertake awareness campaigns and organize seminars, workshops etc. from time to time for raising awareness among masses on the issues relating to safety, security and empowerment of women and girls.

The Government of Odisha has notified “The Odisha Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act, 2013” with effect from 25.02.2014 and has undertaken IEC activities for creating social and legal awareness against witch-hunting with the help of anganwadi workers, self-help groups, Panchayati raj institutions etc.