Assam govt amends minor mineral rules to tighten royalty compliance, boost transparency

Guwahati, July 12 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Sunday that the state government has amended the Assam Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2013, to strengthen transparency, plug revenue leakages and promote sustainable management of natural resources.

Sharing details of the Cabinet decision in a post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister added that those benefiting from the state’s natural resources must also contribute to restoring the environment.

“Those who benefit from our natural resources must also contribute to restoring green cover. The amended Minor Mineral Concession Rules bring greater transparency, ensure royalty and GST compliance, curb leakages and strengthen sustainable growth,” Chief Minister Sarma said.

According to the amendments approved by the Cabinet, a transit fee of Rs 150 per cubic metre will be levied on sand and stone entering Assam from other states.

The revised rules also make it mandatory to ensure royalty payment and Goods and Services Tax (GST) compliance before minor minerals are allowed to enter the state, a move aimed at checking illegal transportation and improving tax collection.

To ensure uninterrupted supply of construction materials during the monsoon season, the state government has also permitted the establishment of stockyards within a 10-km radius of approved mining lease areas.

The amendments further seek to strengthen enforcement against royalty violations and enhance transparency in the extraction, transportation and trade of minor minerals across the state.

Officials said the revised framework is expected to improve monitoring of mineral movement, minimise revenue losses and create a more accountable mining ecosystem.

The state government believes the new provisions will help streamline the supply chain for construction materials while ensuring that mining activities are carried out in accordance with environmental and financial regulations.

The Chief Minister said the reforms are part of the state government’s broader effort to modernise mineral governance in Assam by balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.

The amended rules are also expected to improve state revenue, curb illegal mining and transportation practices, and promote sustainable utilisation of natural resources through stricter regulatory oversight.

–IANS

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