Centre Auctions Limestone Blocks as Part of Plan to Boost J&K’s Mineral Sector

G Kishan Reddy, the Union Minister of Coal and Mines, stated on Monday that Jammu and Kashmir is now on the nation's mineral action map following the first-ever launch of a limestone block auction.

The Union Minister, who launched the e-auction alongside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, stated that the Union Government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had reformed the mining regime to make it completely transparent in accordance with the rules established by the Supreme Court in 2014. He went on to say that J&K will enter a new phase of development as a result of this auction.

For the launch, seven limestone blocks totaling about 314 hectares were chosen from the districts of Rajouri, Poonch, and Anantnag. Speaking to the audience, Reddy stated that the project is anticipated to advance Jammu & Kashmir's development trajectory and contribute to the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by creating jobs, increasing revenue, expanding industry, and providing new economic opportunities for local communities.

The Ministry of Mines, the Geological Survey of India, and the Government of J&K have collaborated over the past few months to finish the identification, exploration, and assessment of the seven limestone blocks that are being put up for auction today, the minister said, praising the cooperation of the federal and state governments.

According to the minister, the Union government's initiative to start limestone blocks in J&K is evidence of the cooperative federalism spirit and the Modi government's dedication to helping state governments improve their socioeconomic circumstances, particularly in the nation's underdeveloped regions. He said that in order to collaborate for the inclusive development of the country as a whole, we must put aside small-scale politics. According to him, UT of J&K can become a "Mineral Powerhouse" with the help of the union government, which will raise residents' incomes overall.

He made sure that all premiums and royalties would go to the state fund and that the union government would not impose any taxes. Additionally, he stated that the MMDR act's District Mineral Fund (DFM) would be utilized for the benefit of the local populace.

Reddy stated that the launch of the limestone block auction on scientific lines will encourage ease of doing business and boost investor confidence in the region, while highlighting the auction's transparent and technologically advanced process. He continued by saying that bringing about revolutionary change in the region's development requires the industry's support.

The minister claimed that under PM Narendra Modi's leadership, the Indian economy is heading toward a more stable and self-assured regime as the government launches more and more industry-friendly initiatives. The government's motto, "Reform, perform, transform," serves as a compass for enhancing systems and policies and bringing about constructive change via performance and action. He stated that the MMDR Act has brought about a number of policy changes in the mining industry and promised further changes. The government is dedicated to making the process transparent, competitive, dynamic, and accountable, he continued.

He mentioned that launching the auction would support the government's efforts to become self-reliant. He added that the ‘mineral economy’ will be a key part of the nation's development and self-sufficiency in the near future.

Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of the UT of J&K, addressed the audience and said that the initiative was taken by the Government of India at the request of the UT government to assist it in carrying out the auction. He further stated that the backward areas, especially Poonch and Rajouri, will experience a new era of development and that this will stimulate the growth of related industries in the region.

Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Coal and Mines Sanjay Lohiya, Additional Chief Secretary Anil Kumar Singh, and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Mines Farida M Naik were also present at the event. Various stakeholders from industry, civil society, as well as officials from the central and state governments attended the event.

This milestone marks an important step in pushing forward the mining reforms that were 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. This signals a shift toward transparency, competition, and sustainable development in the mineral sector.

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