Limestone Block Auction in Jammu & Kashmir: Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, on Monday said the first-ever auction of seven limestone mineral blocks will usher in a new era of development in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking at the launch of the first-ever auction of seven limestone mineral blocks in the union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir here in the presence of J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and his deputy, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Reddy reflected on a strong Centre–State partnership and the strategic importance of this initiative for the region.

A total of seven limestone blocks, covering approximately 314 hectares, were identified across the districts of Anantnag, Rajouri, and Poonch for the launch.

Coal & Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy on Limestone Block Auction

Reddy said that with the first-ever launch of the Limestone block auction, J&K has now come on the mineral action map of the country.

He said that as per the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in 2014, the union Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reformed the mining regime to make it 100 per cent transparent.

Reddy said the initiative is expected to pave the way for job creation, revenue growth, industrial expansion, and new economic opportunities for local communities , advancing Jammu and Kashmir’s development trajectory and contributing to the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

While lauding the collaborative effort of centre and state governments, the minister said that the Ministry of Mines, Geological Survey of India and the Government of J&K have worked together over the last few months to complete the identification, exploration and assessment of the seven limestone blocks that are being launched for auction today.

The minister said that the initiative to launch the limestone blocks in J&K by the union government is a testimony to the spirit of Cooperative federalism and the commitment of the Modi Government to provide support to state governments for improving their socio-economic conditions especially of the backward areas of the country.

"We need to rise above the petty politics to work together for the inclusive development of the nation as a whole," he said, adding, “with the support of the union government the UT of J&K can become a ‘Mineral Powerhouse’ and this will lead to an overall increase in the income of local people.”

He ensured that no tax was being imposed by the union government and that all the premiums and royalties would be going to the state fund and also informed that the District Mineral fund (DFM ) under the MMDR act would be used for the welfare of the people of the region.

While emphasizing the transparent and technology-driven process of the auction, Reddy said that the launch of the limestone block auction on scientific lines will promote ease of doing business and boost investor confidence in the region.

He added that the support of the industry is crucial for bringing transformative change in the development of the region.

The Minister said that under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the Indian economy is moving towards a regime that is more stable and confident, with more and more people and industry friendly initiatives being launched by the government.

The slogan of "Reform, perform, transform" is the guiding principle for the government for improving policies and systems and ushering positive change through action and performance.

He said that various policy changes have taken place in the mining sector in the MMDR Act and ensured that more changes will follow and added, “the government is committed to making the process transparent, competitive, dynamic and accountable.”

He mentioned that the launch of the auction would boost the efforts of the government in becoming Atmanirbhar.

He added that the ‘mineral economy’ will be an important pillar of the nation’s development and self-sufficiency in the coming future.

Omar Abdullah on Limestone Block Auction

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while addressing the audience, stated that the Government of India took the initiative at the behest of the UT government to provide guidance to the UT for conducting the auction.

He further added that the backward areas, especially of Poonch and Rajouri, will see a new era of development and will lead to the growth of the ancillary industry in the region.

Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal and Mines Sanjay Lohiya, Additional Chief Secretary, Anil Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Farida M Naik, Joint Secretary were also present on the occasion. Various stakeholders from the industry, civil society as well as officials from centre and state also attended the event.