Will prepare big action plan for J&K: Reddy
*Anyone interested in mining can make bid
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Nov 24: First limestone block auction and road show were hosted by Jammu and Kashmir today here in the presence of Union Minister of Coal & Mines G Kishan Reddy and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah covering about 314 hectares, across the districts of Rajouri, Poonch and Anantnag.
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This has brought Jammu and Kashmir on the mineral action map of the country.
The limestone blocks include Rajpura, Darhal-Chittibatti, Khablian-Bharot-Danna and Lah in Rajouri district, Rajpura in Poonch district and Dooru Shahabad, Koot-Kapran and Wantrag in Anantnag district.
The auction represents a major step forward in unlocking the mineral wealth of Jammu & Kashmir, which is now entering the national competitive bidding ecosystem for the first time.
“The limestone auction in Jammu & Kashmir aligns with the Central Government’s broader development push for the Union Territory. Under the Prime Minister’s Industrial Development Scheme, J&K is being positioned as an emerging investment hub with a clear focus on job creation and transparent industrial processes. Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing improvements in connectivity and infrastructure, which support mining and allied sectors. The successful auction is expected to boost local industry, generate employment, and contribute to the Government’s vision of fast-tracking economic growth in Jammu & Kashmir,” an official statement said.
In his address, Union Minister Reddy said as per the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in 2014, the Union Government has reformed the mining regime to make it 100 percent transparent. Click here to watch video
He said the initiative is expected to pave the way for job creation, revenue growth, industrial expansion, and new economic opportunities for local communities, advancing Jammu and Kashmir’s development trajectory and contributing to the national vision of Viksit Bharat-2047.
While lauding the collaborative effort of Centre and State Governments, Reddy said the Ministry of Mines, Geological Survey of India (GSI) 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.
He said the initiative to launch the limestone blocks in J&K by the Union Government is a testimony to the spirit of Cooperative federalism and the commitment of the Modi Government to provide support to State Governments for improving their socio-economic conditions especially of the backward areas of the country.
“We need to rise above petty politics to work together for the inclusive development of the nation as a whole,” he said, adding with the support of the Union Government, 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 Centre 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 the launch of the limestone block auction on scientific lines will promote ease of doing business and boost investor confidence in the region.
He said the support of the industry is crucial for bringing transformative change in the development in the region.
“Under the leadership of Modi, the Indian economy is moving towards a regime that is more stable and confident with more and more people and industry friendly initiatives being launched by the Government,” Reddy said.
He added that 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. Various policy changes have taken place in the mining sector in the MMDR Act and ensured that more changes will follow, he asserted.
He said the Government is committed to making the process transparent, competitive, dynamic and accountable.
He said the launch of the auction would boost the efforts of the Government in becoming Atmanirbhar. “The ‘mineral economy’ will be an important pillar of a nation’s development and self-sufficiency in the coming future.”
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters after the function, Reddy termed the auction of seven limestone blocks in three districts of Rajouri, Poonch and Anantnag as “historic” saying anyone interested in the mining can come and make a bid for the blocks.
“There is no hurdle for anyone from anywhere. All are invited to join and contribute to the development of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Assuring full support of the Central Government in exploring mineral reserves in Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister said he had taken a review of the mineral reserves with officials and will seek a fresh and detailed review after the budget session.
“We will sit with Chief Minister and other concerned officials and prepare a big action plan to increase mining activities in J&K together. We are committed for the development of the Union Territory,” Reddy said.
He said they will identify some coal blocks and include them in the next auction
Asserting that the initial findings do not indicate significant lithium deposits in Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Minister, however, said a clearer assessment will be available only after Geological Survey of India completes its ongoing G2-level exploration in January next year.
“The survey will provide definitive data on the extent, quality and economic viability of the mineral reserves,” he added.
In early 2023, officials claimed to have found a 5.9 million tonne of the non-ferrous metal reserve in Reasi district following a G3 (advanced) study of GSI.
“There is a discussion across the country about the lithium reserve (in J&K). Generally, the Government goes for auction after getting G4 report from GSI but we have done G4 and G3 surveys for lithium while a G2 study is underway which will be completed by January,” Reddy said.
He said the Government does not do such an exercise anywhere and normally after auction, the company which takes over the block goes for the final exploration.
However, after coming to know that there are not much lithium deposits as was earlier expected, the Government decided to go for an end-level exploration, he said, adding after getting the final report by January next year, auction will be done as per the findings.
“If the deposits are less, the private people cannot be invited for the auction. We will try to explore the deposits and also bring forth the clarity before the people of the country,” Reddy said.
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