SHILLONG — The Centre’s proposal to bring Meghalaya’s coal mining exclusively under cooperative societies has run into opposition from the Jaintia Coal Owners, Miners, Suppliers & Workers Association (JCOMSWA), which says the move could threaten the interests of local landowners and mining-dependent families.
JCOMSWA raised the objection at a meeting convened by the Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills.
The association argued that landowners have rights over underground mineral resources under the Sixth Schedule and customary practices. It said many of those dependent on coal mining are small farmers and smallholders who could face loss of livelihoods if the proposed system is implemented.
JCOMSWA president Marshall S.B. Biam said the association wants coal mining to continue under the existing system while complying with environmental and safety regulations.
The association said the rights of local landowners must remain protected as the government considers changes to the way coal mining is organised in Meghalaya.
