📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare
Politics
Meghalaya CM urges promotion of small-scale mining to boost local economy
✍️ The Meghalayan Express
🗓 24 Oct 2026, 11:35 PM
👁 13
The chief minister of Meghalaya called for greater support to small‑scale mining operations, saying they can generate jobs and income for remote districts.
Meghalaya's chief minister publicly advocated for the expansion of small‑scale mining activities across the state. In a recent address, he highlighted that regulated, community‑based mining can create livelihood opportunities for people in hilly and remote areas where alternative employment is scarce.
He urged the state government to formulate clear guidelines that balance economic benefits with environmental safeguards, stressing that sustainable practices are essential to protect the region's fragile ecosystems.
The CM also called on the central government and relevant ministries to consider policy incentives, such as easier licensing and financial assistance, to encourage responsible small‑scale miners. He assured that the administration will monitor compliance and work with local stakeholders to address any concerns.
While acknowledging past controversies surrounding larger mining projects, the chief minister said that a focused, small‑scale approach could mitigate ecological risks while delivering tangible socio‑economic gains for the state's marginalized communities.
He urged the state government to formulate clear guidelines that balance economic benefits with environmental safeguards, stressing that sustainable practices are essential to protect the region's fragile ecosystems.
The CM also called on the central government and relevant ministries to consider policy incentives, such as easier licensing and financial assistance, to encourage responsible small‑scale miners. He assured that the administration will monitor compliance and work with local stakeholders to address any concerns.
While acknowledging past controversies surrounding larger mining projects, the chief minister said that a focused, small‑scale approach could mitigate ecological risks while delivering tangible socio‑economic gains for the state's marginalized communities.