Meghalaya Polls Stir Debate on Rat-Hole Mining

Why in the news?

Ahead of district council elections, Meghalaya’s Voice of the People Party (VPP) seeks Article 371 provisions to resume banned rat-hole coal mining. Recent coal mining agreements and comparisons to Nagaland’s mining practices have intensified the discussions.

Context and Poll-Related Developments:

  • Meghalaya, ahead of the February 21 elections for Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Councils, witnesses debates over resuming banned rat-hole mining.
  • The Voice of the People Party (VPP) advocates for bringing Meghalaya under Article 371 for mining benefits.

Stakeholders and Discussions

  • Strong Pillar Kharjana (VPP Candidate) seeks special status under Article 371 for Meghalaya, citing the NGT’s inability to interfere in Nagaland’s mining due to this provision.
  • Other political parties, barring the Congress and VPP, oppose blending Article 371 with the Sixth Schedule, calling the provisions incompatible.
  • Recent coal mining agreements signed by the Ministry of Coal with project proponents in three locations have intensified discussions on the issue.

Understanding Article 371 and Rat-Hole Mining:

  • Article 371A (Nagaland) protects land resources and customary practices, limiting external legal intervention, including from bodies like the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
  • Rat-hole mining, banned by the NGT in 2014, remains rampant in Nagaland.
  • Paragraph 12A of the Sixth Schedule allows state laws to prevail over district council laws, leading to governance complications.