UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2025

Consider the following statements: Statement I: In India, State Governments have no power for making rules for grant of concessions in respect of extraction of minor minerals even though such minerals are located in their own territories. Statement II: In India, the Central Government has the power to notify minor minerals under the relevant law. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
  2. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
  3. Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
  4. Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

Answer

Correct Answer

Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

Explanation

Under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, State Governments do have the power to make rules for the grant of concessions in respect of minor minerals located in their territories, so Statement I is incorrect. However, it is the Central Government that has the power to notify which minerals are classified as 'minor minerals' under the relevant law, making Statement II correct.

Topics: economy, mining, minor minerals