by Q. Consider the following statements:
UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims) 2025 – General Studies Paper I
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
(d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
Answer: (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
Explanation:
Statement I is not correct.
Under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), State Governments do have the power to make rules for the grant of concessions, mining leases, and regulation of minor minerals located within their territories. This power is explicitly given to States under Section 15 of the MMDR Act. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that State Governments have no such power.
Statement II is correct.
The Central Government has the authority to notify and define what constitutes “minor minerals” under the MMDR Act. Once a mineral is notified as a minor mineral by the Centre, its regulation including grant of concessions is handled by the State Governments.
Answer: (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
