Lok Sabha passed Mines and Mineral Amendment Bill and Indian Port Bill for modernizing and strengthening both the sectors of Indian economy.
The Mines and Minerals amendment bill focuses on liberalizing mining sector and boost exploration and mining of critical and strategic minerals. National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) will be renamed to National Mineral Exploration and Development and the scope of the organization will expand to fund mineral exploration and development. The bill allows existing mining lease holders to mine critical and strategic mineral on their existing lease and would not require to pay additional fees. There will be no limit on the sale of minerals from captive mines and an authority will be established to register and regulate mineral exchanges which will facilitate trading in mineral and metals. The government will have the power to auction mineral concessions for critical minerals.
The Indian Ports Bill 2025 seeks to replace the Indian Ports Bills of 1908 for modern port governance, promote integrated development and ensure optimal utilization of India’s coastline. Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) will advise the central and state governments for long term and collaborative planning for ports. The bill aims on strengthening State Maritime Boards that will increase authority that will help manage non-major ports within their states. International Maritime conventions like MARPOL mandating environmental safeguards like waste management and emergency preparedness will be adhered for ensuring environmental sustainability.
Both bills focus on achieving “Viksit Bharat” by strengthening key economic sectors, enhancing global competitiveness and supporting sustainable development practices.
