The Punjab Council of Ministers has approved amendments to the Punjab State Mining Minerals Policy, 2022, introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party government, with the objective of increasing the supply of sand and gravel while tackling illegal sand mining.
The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Alongside this policy revision, the Cabinet also announced the launch of the Mukh Mantri Teerath Yatra scheme and the School Mentorship Programme.
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema stated that the amendments to the mining policy are expected to significantly boost revenue from mining activities. As part of these changes, the royalty for crushing gravel has been raised from Rs 0.73 per cubic foot to Rs 3.20 per cubic foot, while the royalty for sand has been increased from Rs 0.73 per cubic foot to Rs 1.75 per cubic foot.
Water Resources and Mining Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal explained that two new categories of mining sites—crusher mining sites and landowner mining sites—have been introduced in addition to the already existing public mining sites.
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Crusher owners, as well as landowners, will now be permitted to mine minor minerals on their own land, paying the government a royalty before selling the mined sand or gravel. The purpose of these amendments is to address the demand-supply gap, thereby reducing consumer prices and discouraging illegal mining.
Furthermore, district deputy commissioners have been granted the authority to identify government-owned land where mining operations can take place.
In another major decision, the Cabinet approved the Mukh Mantri Teerath Yatra scheme, which will allow individuals aged 50 and above to register for and avail free pilgrimages to religious sites both within Punjab and in other states. This initiative aims to facilitate spiritual travel for senior citizens at no cost.
The government has also introduced a School Mentorship Programme, initially targeting 80 Schools of Eminence. Under this initiative, IAS, IPS, and IFS officers in the state will adopt one school each and mentor students for a period of five years, providing them with guidance and support for academic and personal development.
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