Transparent auction will help in better mineral resource management in J&K: Reddy

JAMMU: Union Minister of Coal & Mines, G Kishan Reddy on Monday said that with the first ever launch of Limestone block auction, Jammu and Kashmir has now come on the mineral action map of the country.
Launching the e-auction jointly with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Union Minister said that as per the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in 2014, the Union Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reformed the mining regime to make it 100 percent transparent. He added that this auction in J&K will usher a new era of development in the J&K.

The A total of seven limestone blocks, covering approximately 314 hectares, were identified across the districts of Anantnag, Rajouri, and Poonch for the launch.
While addressing the audience, Reddy said that the initiative is expected to pave the way for job creation, revenue growth, industrial expansion, and new economic opportunities for local communities , advancing Jammu & Kashmir’s development trajectory and contributing to the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
While lauding the collaborative effort of centre and state governments, the minister said that the Ministry of Mines, Geological Survey of India and the Government of J&K have worked together over the last few months to complete the identification, exploration and assessment of the seven limestone blocks that are being launched for auction today. The minister said that the initiative to launch the limestone blocks in the J&K by union government is a testimony to the spirit of Cooperative federalism and the commitment of Modi Government to provide support to state governments for improving their socio-economic conditions especially of the backward areas of the country. He remarked that we need to rise above the petty politics to work together for the inclusive development of the nation as a whole. He said that with the support of the union government UT of J&K can become a ‘Mineral Powerhouse’ and will lead to overall increase in the income of local people. He ensured that no tax was being imposed by the union government and that all the premium and royalty would be going to the state fund. He also informed that the District Mineral fund (DFM ) under the MMDR act would be used for the welfare of the people of the region.
While emphasizing the transparent and technology driven process of the auction, Reddy said that the launch of the limestone block auction on scientific lines will promote ease of doing business and boost investor confidence in the region. He added that the support of the industry is crucial for bringing transformative change in the development in the region.
The minister said that under leadership of PM Narendra Modi, Indian economy is moving towards an regime that is more stable and confident with more and more people and industry friendly initiatives being launched by the government. The slogan of “Reform, perform, transform” is the guiding principle for the government for improving policies and systems and ushering positive change through action and performance. He said that various policy changes have taken place in the mining sector in the MMDR Act and ensured that more changes will follow. He added that the government is committed to make the process transparent, competitive, dynamic and accountable.
He mentioned that the launch of auction would boost the efforts of government in becoming Atmanirbhar. He added that the ‘mineral economy’ will be an important pillar of nation’s development and self-sufficiency in the coming future.
Omar Abdullah , Chief Minister , UT of J&K while addressing the audience said that the initiative was taken by the Government of India on behest of UT government for providing handholding to the UT for carrying out the auction. He further added that the backward areas especially of Poonch and Rajouri will see new era of development and will lead to growth of the ancillary industry in the region.
Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal and Mines Sanjay Lohiya, Additional Chief Secretary, Anil Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines , Farida M Naik, Joint Secretary were also present on the occasion. Various stakeholders from the industry, civil society as well as officials from centre and state also attended the event.
The milestone marks a significant step in advancing the mining reforms introduced under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act) in 2015. It is also the first mining block auction taking place in the Union Territory since these reforms, signaling a shift toward transparency, competitiveness, and sustainable development in the mineral sector.
A total of seven limestone blocks, covering approximately 314 hectares, have been identified across the districts of Anantnag, Rajouri, and Poonch. Categorized under UNFC G3 and G4 exploration stages, these deposits hold considerable potential for high-quality limestone critical to cement manufacturing, construction, and other industrial applications. The auction will be conducted under subsections (4) and (5) of Section 11 of the MMDR Act, enabling the Central Government to facilitate the process in cases where State or Union Territory administrations face procedural limitations.