Hyderabad: Union minister for coal and mines G Kishan Reddy on Thursday rejected allegations that the Centre was attempting to take away the powers of states through amendments to mining laws, saying the recently passed Critical Major Minerals Bill was aimed at ensuring price stability and increasing mineral production.Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Kishan Reddy said the Centre had no intention of taking control over minor minerals, which would continue to remain under the jurisdiction of state govts.He said the reforms were aimed at ensuring that prices of major minerals, including coal, limestone, iron ore, bauxite and copper did not vary widely across states.“The objective is not to interfere in the powers of states but to bring balance and stability in prices,” he said.Kishan Reddy said fluctuations in the prices of major minerals could have a direct impact on the cost of construction and other essential sectors. An increase in domestic prices could also affect imports, as foreign suppliers could raise their prices in response, he said.He said the Centre was working to increase production of major minerals and would soon introduce coal and mineral exchanges. The proposal had already received approval from the Union cabinet, he said.Union minister also said coal prices supplied for power generation had not been increased since 2018 as part of efforts to keep electricity affordable. He said the Centre was also working to ensure that rising mineral prices did not push up the cost of key materials such as cement and steel.Kishan Reddy said the Centre would not interfere in states’ powers relating to taxes and cess on minerals.
