Leaders of the Jaintia Coal Owners, Miners, Suppliers & Workers Association (JCOMSWA) attended a meeting convened by the office of the Deputy Commissioner (DC), East Jaintia Hills District.
During the meeting, JCOMSWA strongly opposed the Government of India’s proposal to mandate that coal mining in Meghalaya must be conducted EXCLUSIVELY through Cooperative Societies.
Key Reasons for Opposition:
- Loss of Ownership Rights: Landowners hold complete rights over underground mineral resources, as guaranteed by the Sixth Schedule and customary traditions.
- Adverse Impact on the Public: Many landowners are small farmers and smallholders. This policy will cause job losses and plunge thousands of families into poverty.
- Association’s Stand and Demand: Coal mining operations should continue as they were previously, adhering strictly to environmental standards and safety regulations. The Association firmly asserted that the rights of local landowners must not be stripped away!