UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 42
With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements :
- Sand is a 'minor mineral' according to the prevailing law in the country.
- State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
- State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
Sand is a minor mineral under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. State governments frame rules about minor-mineral leases and preventing illegal mining; the Centre is not the exclusive rule-maker asserted in statement 2.
Statement / Pair Analysis:
1 (Correct): Ordinary sand is categorised as a minor mineral.
2 (Incorrect): Section 15 empowers states to regulate minor-mineral concessions and make relevant rules.
3 (Correct): Section 23C permits states to frame rules against illegal mining, transport and storage.
Option-wise Analysis:
A (Correct): Includes all and only the true statements/pairs.
B (Incorrect): It includes false item 2 (Section 15 empowers states to regulate minor-mineral concessions and make relevant rules); omits true item 1 (Ordinary sand is categorised as a minor mineral).
C (Incorrect): It omits true item 1 (Ordinary sand is categorised as a minor mineral).
D (Incorrect): It includes false item 2 (Section 15 empowers states to regulate minor-mineral concessions and make relevant rules).