East Jaintia Hills MLAs Santa Mary Shylla and Kyrmen Shylla have briefed members of the Jaiñtia Coal Miner and Dealer Association (JCMDA) and residents of the Jaiñtia Hills on the outcome of recent discussions between the Centre and the Meghalaya Government regarding the future of coal mining in the region.
Addressing a public meeting, Santa Mary Shylla described the recent meeting between Union Minister for Mines and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma in New Delhi as productive. She said the Union Minister had directed the formation of a state-level committee comprising government officials and representatives of coal mine operators to examine the scientific mining process and conduct field inspections. She added that the Centre has also sought a detailed report from the state government for a comprehensive review of the matter.
The MLA further informed the gathering that the Chief Minister had urged the Centre to invoke Section 6 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, enabling the state government to take greater responsibility for coal mining administration. She praised the JCMDA for its continued efforts to promote scientific underground mining and assured stakeholders of continued support to facilitate the reopening of mining activities.
Kyrmen Shylla emphasised that coal mining remains a vital source of livelihood for the people of the region and called for cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure its resumption. JCMDA Vice-President Justine Dkhar reaffirmed the association’s commitment to pursuing a permanent solution that safeguards both the interests of workers and the long-term future of the coal mining sector.