Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced amendments to the Assam Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2013, to enhance transparency, prevent revenue losses, and support sustainable resource management. The changes aim to ensure that those benefiting from natural resources also contribute to environmental conservation. The amendments include a transit fee of Rs 150 per cubic meter on sand and stone entering Assam from other states.
The revised rules emphasize royalty payment and Goods and Services Tax (GST) compliance before minor minerals can enter the state, with the goal of reducing illegal transportation and improving tax collection. Additionally, the government has allowed the establishment of stockyards within a 10-km radius of approved mining lease areas to maintain a steady supply of construction materials during the monsoon season.
The amendments also focus on enforcing royalty regulations and enhancing transparency in the extraction, transportation, and trade of minor minerals across Assam. The updated framework is expected to enhance monitoring of mineral movement, minimize revenue losses, and promote accountability in the mining sector. These changes are part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize mineral governance in Assam while balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
The reforms are designed to boost state revenue, combat illegal mining and transportation activities, and encourage the sustainable utilization of natural resources through stricter regulatory measures. The government believes that these new provisions will streamline the construction material supply chain and ensure mining operations comply with environmental and financial standards.
