Shillong, Nov 8: Lok Sabha MP from Shillong, Vincent H. Pala has pointed out drawbacks in the Meghalaya Minor Minerals Concession Rules (MMMCR), 2016 saying that it has no provision for payment of royalty by lessees with regard to limestone supplies to industries other than lime kiln.

Pala in his letter to Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma said that such a provision has been there in Himachal Pradesh Mining Rules.

“It is important that a suitable provision in the Meghalaya Mining Rules is made, as suggested in the enclosed draft for an additional paragraph in clause 1 of Rule 28 (Royalty) so that the State Government’s revenues are appropriately augmented,” Pala said.

He also said that in view of the above and for the benefit and overall improvement of the economic life of the people in the State.

According to the Congress MP from Shillong, the Himachal Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) and Minerals (Prevention of Illegal Mining Transportation and Storage) Rule, 2015 states that as and when the limestone is supplied by the lessee to the industries other than lime kiln, royalty shall be paid by the lessee for the lime as a major mineral, whichever is more.”