Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), Chief Executive Member Thombor Shiwat has assured that the demand for a Meghalaya-specific legal framework for Small Scientific Underground Coal Mining will be tabled in the next session of the Council following a representation submitted by the East Jaintia Hills Coal and Minerals Supplier Association.
The Association stated that the proposed framework should reflect Meghalaya’s unique geological conditions, including thin and discontinuous coal seams, difficult hilly terrain, and the customary land ownership system protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
According to the Association, the present regulatory framework is unsuitable for small indigenous miners and does not adequately recognise the State’s customary laws and local realities. The proposed policy seeks to promote regulated, safe, and sustainable small-scale underground coal mining by local tribal stakeholders while ensuring environmental safeguards and constitutional protections.
Following the meeting, the CEM reportedly gave a positive assurance that if the House adopts a resolution on the matter, the State Government would be urged to initiate steps towards framing a practical and community-friendly mining policy aimed at benefiting genuine small-scale tribal miners and landowners.
The development has brought renewed hope to coal-dependent families in East Jaintia Hills, many of whom have been facing unemployment and economic hardship due to ongoing restrictions on coal mining activities.
The Association also expressed confidence in the leadership of the JHADC and hoped for early action on the issue.