Jaipur | May 26, 2016: State government is still far from closing the mining rules. In a meeting held on Wednesday, it was decided that contentious issue on granting mining licence (ML) to prospective licence holders shall be left to cabinet's discretion.

According to the officials, consensus has been made on giving mining licence for 50 years and further extending twice to 20 years. At present, ML is granted for 30 years and is extended twice for 30 years.

However, matter of issuing ML to prospective licence holders remains undecided. "It has been put forth for cabinet's discretion. Whatever decision is taken it will be abided," said an official, who was privy to the meeting.

Another point where both finance and mines department agreed is on the auctioning of mines.

Rajasthan has already issued its mineral policy in 2015 but rules to implement it are yet to be finalized. A committee was also constituted to finalize it but in the absence of consensus rules could not be chalked out.

However, the delay has led to loss in revenue to the state exchequer from mining sector. The department was eyeing revenue of Rs 5,000 crore in last financial year. However, it could only realize Rs 3,600 crore.

(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)