Brijmohan Agrawal, Raipur MP and a senior BJP leader, has described the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, introduced in the Lok Sabha’s monsoon session, as a landmark achievement for Chhattisgarh and other mineral-rich regions of India. Agrawal emphasized that the bill, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, is designed to strengthen India’s strategic mineral reserves, modernize the mining industry to meet international standards, and boost socio-economic progress in areas affected by mining. According to Agrawal, past legislation faced hurdles such as dependence on imports for critical minerals (lithium, cobalt, rare earths), complex licensing processes, and insufficient transparency in mining areas. The bill seeks to resolve these issues. Key features include the establishment of the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM), giving India the legal and financial tools to acquire and explore minerals within and outside the country. Digital platforms, like mineral exchanges, will enhance transparency and efficiency in lease allocation and mineral trading. The bill also proposes increased royalty rates on certain minerals, which will increase state revenue. The District Mineral Foundation (DMF) will see increased investment in education, healthcare, and livelihood programs.
