SHILLONG: The State cabinet has decided to pursue the resolution passed by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in the year 2015 urging the Centre to invoke Para 12A(b) of Sixth Schedule of the Constitution via a presidential notification to exempt the state from the provisions of central laws.
Speaking to media persons after the cabinet meeting in Shillong on Thursday Cabinet Minister, Prestone Tynsong said that the Government would pursue the resolution passed by the House earlier for lifting of coal ban in the state.
The Cabinet meeting also sought the advice and clarifications from Advocate General on the matter.
In addition, Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma is leaving for New Delhi on Friday along with a group of Ministers to seek the intervention of the Central Government to lift the ban on coal mining.
During the visit to New Delhi, the Chief Minister will try to meet the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other line ministries for discussion on the matter of ban on coal mining .
Acocrding to Tynsong, Chief Minister would also make a statement in the Assembly on the decision of the Government to pursue the official resolution that was passed in the year 2015 so that all members of the House are aware about the decision
Responding to a query, Tynsong said that order from the NGT says that the State Government should approach the Centre on the matter and get necessary directions after which the matter should be brought back to NGT for necessary orders.
Earlier, former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma wanted Meghalaya Mineral Development Corporation (MMDC) be entrusted to carry out coal mining on behalf of miners which would have acted as an instrument to give relief to coal miners who are otherwise affected due to ban on coal mining by NGT.
It may be mentioned that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had imposed a blanket ban on unscientific coal mining in the state since April, 2014
Meanwhile, the cabinet also discussed on two proposals from the Health and Family Welfare department and Taxation department but the proposals were sent back to the department due to the want of certain clarifications.