Consider the following statements: Statement I: In India, State Governments have no power for making rules for grant of concessions in respect of extraction of minor minerals even though such minerals are located in their territories. Statement II: In India, the Central Government has the power to notify minor minerals under the relevant law. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
2. B. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
3. C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
4. D. Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

Answer: D

Explanation

Statement I is incorrect. Under Section 15(1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), State Governments are explicitly empowered to make rules for regulating the grant of mining leases and other mineral concessions in respect of minor minerals within their territories. This grants them significant control over minor mineral extraction. Statement II is correct. As per Section 3(e) of the MMDR Act, the Central Government has the authority to declare any mineral as a ‘minor mineral’ through official notification. This power allows the Central Government to define the scope of minor minerals, which then fall under the regulatory purview of State Governments. Therefore, Statement I is incorrect, while Statement II is correct. The regulatory framework for minerals, especially the division of powers between the Centre and States, is a key topic for UPSC Polity & Governance and Economy.