RPSC Monthly Current Affairs: January 2024 | Monthly Current Affairs RPSC - RPSC RAS (Rajasthan) PDF Download

Cooking Gas Cylinder Subsidy Yojana

Why is it News?

Recently, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Bhajanlal Sharma, announced that Ujjwala gas cylinders will be offered at a subsidized price of Rs 450 in the state, starting from January 1, 2024.

Key Points

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

• Under this scheme, subsidies will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of eligible women beneficiaries who are part of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) and those holding Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards.
• The scheme has been renamed from the Indira Gandhi Cylinder Subsidy Scheme to the Cooking Gas Cylinder Subsidy Yojana.
• Beneficiaries can access the subsidized cylinders by registering through the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yojana.

About Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)

• The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was launched on May 1, 2016, in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Initiated by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), the scheme aims to provide clean cooking fuel, such as LPG, to rural and marginalized households that previously relied on traditional cooking fuels like firewood, coal, and cow dung cakes.
• The use of traditional cooking fuels poses serious health risks to rural women and has harmful environmental impacts.

Contingency Plan for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules, 1995

• The Rajasthan High Court has expressed strong concern over the State government's failure to implement a contingency plan for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, which was prepared by a Drafting Committee in 2017.
• In contrast, 15 other states, including Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Odisha, have successfully formulated and implemented comprehensive contingency plans to address the needs of these communities.
• The Dalit Manavadhikar Kendra Samiti (DMKS), a non-governmental organization, submitted a draft contingency plan to the Rajasthan government in 2017. This plan included provisions for relief and rehabilitation, additional financial assistance to victims of caste-based violence, witness protection, and a monitoring mechanism to assist victims.
• During the hearing of a public interest writ petition filed by the DMKS, the High Court noted that the delay in finalizing and implementing the contingency plan is hindering its intended purpose of addressing the needs of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• Currently, the State government provides relief to victims of atrocities under Rule 12(4) of the 1995 Rules. This rule stipulates that individuals belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, along with their family members and dependents, are entitled to receive relief in cash or kind within seven days of the registration of a First Information Report (FIR).
• The contingency plan, which is to be implemented under Rule 15 of the 1995 Rules, should clearly define the roles and responsibilities of various departments. It should include mandatory compensation for victims, rehabilitation, government employment, and measures to strengthen their socio-economic conditions.

Proposal to Develop Wetlands as Ramsar Sites

Recently, the Rajasthan government proposed to the Union environment ministry to develop five wetlands in the state as Ramsar sites. The wetlands proposed include:

• Sambhar Lake
• Keoladeo Ghana National Park
• Khinchan bird sanctuary
• Chandlai
• Kanwas Pakshi Vihar
• Lunkaransar
• Menar Lake
• These wetlands are crucial as they fall within the Central Asian Flyway, a migratory route for birds seeking warmer temperatures from November to February. Efforts are being made to prevent industrial effluents from contaminating these waters and to stop encroachments.
• The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands of global significance. Adopted on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran, it came into force in India on February 1, 1982. As of 2023, India has 75 Ramsar sites, which aid in the better management and tourism of these wetlands.

New Chief Secretary of Rajasthan

Recently, Sudhansh Pant, an IAS officer from the 1991 batch, has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Rajasthan. This marks his third consecutive appointment within a year.

• Pant was initially brought to the Centre in October 2022 as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Shipping Ministry and was later promoted to Secretary. After six months, he was transferred to the Health Ministry as Secretary. Senior bureaucrats anticipate a forthcoming reshuffle at the secretary level.
• In other news, IAS officer D.S. Mishra has received a six-month extension as Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, and Veera Rana, a 1998 batch IAS officer, is currently holding the additional charge of Chief Secretary in Madhya Pradesh.

Rajasthan to Merge Chiranjeevi Scheme with Ayushman Bharat

The Rajasthan government has requested the union health ministry’s approval to merge the state’s Chiranjeevi health insurance scheme with the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat programme.

• The integrated scheme, called Ayushman Bharat Mukhyamantri Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme, aims to provide a ₹25 lakh insurance cover in both private and government hospitals, retaining the existing benefits of the state scheme.
• Districts have been directed to issue new cards by January 26, 2024, aligning with national efforts to cover all Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries.
• The Chiranjeevi scheme, introduced by former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, offers higher coverage compared to Ayushman Bharat’s ₹5 lakh. Since its launch in May 2021, it has provided universal health coverage to all Rajasthani families, with coverage recently increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh, and an additional ₹10 lakh for accident coverage.

Modern Update of Traditional Tankas

To tackle water scarcity in arid regions, the Centre has modernized western Rajasthan’s traditional ‘tankas’ by building storage tanks with reinforced concrete cement. Traditional ‘tankas’ are earthen rainwater storage systems used in Barmer district and other parts of western Rajasthan to collect rainwater during the monsoon season from July to September.

• Contamination Issue: The water stored in traditional ‘tankas’ becomes contaminated over time due to the earthen material, making it unsuitable for long-term use.
• Modern Solution: To address this issue, the government has adopted the method of constructing water storage tanks with reinforced concrete cement, ensuring uncontaminated water supply for a longer duration.
• Construction Details: Since 2016, a total of 1,84,766 tanks have been built, with 41,580 completed in the current fiscal year (2023-24). Each tank measures 13.5 ft by 13.5 ft and can store 35,000 liters of water, costing ₹3 lakh each to construct.
• Implementation: The construction of these tanks is carried out by gram panchayats in the 2,971 villages, locally known as ‘dhannis’, across the district.
• Additional Water Supply Measures: Other initiatives to ensure water supply to remote villages include sourcing water from the Indira Gandhi Canal and the Narmada Project under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scheme. The goal is to provide water to 4.25 lakh households under the JJM scheme, with 1.25 lakh households already covered.

Indira Gandhi Canal

• Overview: The Indira Gandhi Canal, the longest canal in India, originates from the Harike Barrage in Punjab, flows through Ludhiana, and extends into the Thar Desert in northwest Rajasthan. It serves as a crucial source of drinking and irrigation water for northern and western Rajasthan, benefiting approximately 1.75 crore people in 7,500 villages across eight districts.
• Pollution Issues: Recently, the water in the Indira Gandhi Canal has been reported to turn black due to pollution, leading to various health complications among the residents. These health issues include skin diseases, gastroenteritis, indigestion, and loss of eyesight, raising concerns about the water quality and its impact on public health.

Cooking Oil for Sita Rasoi in Ayodhya

Recently, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma sent 2,100 cooking oil drums and a ‘Ram Durbar’ procession, to ‘Sita Rasoi’ (Sita’s kitchen) in Ayodhya.

• Purpose of the Oil: The cooking oil will be used for preparing food for devotees attending the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22 and for subsequent meals.
• Organizing Bodies: The program was organized collaboratively by Dharma Yatra Mahasangh-Rajasthan and Shri Shyam Bhajan Sandhya Parivar Seva Samiti.
• Local Celebrations: In Jaipur, the Greater Municipal Corporation has declared January 22 a holiday for its staff to participate in the Ram temple consecration celebrations at home.
• Special Arrangements: On the day of the consecration, meat shops in Jaipur will be closed, five lakh oil lamps will be lit, and prizes will be awarded for the best market decorations in the city.

NABARD Approves ₹1,974 Crore for Rajasthan

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned ₹1,974.07 crore to the Rajasthan government under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for the year 2023-24. Rural Drinking Water Supply Projects

• ₹930.44 crore has been allocated for three rural drinking water supply projects aimed at providing clean and potable water to 2.87 lakh households in 2,500 villages.
• The projects are located in Ajmer, Jalore, and Kota districts.
• Rural Road Construction
• ₹926.48 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of 676 rural roads in desert and tribal areas of the state.
• These roads will improve connectivity in 1,229 villages across 12 districts.
• Veterinary Hospitals and Sub-Centres
• Earlier, ₹117.15 crore was sanctioned for the construction of 104 veterinary hospitals and 431 sub-centres in all districts of the state.
• Micro-Irrigation and Canal Lining Projects
• NABARD is supporting the state government in bringing 4.28 lakh hectares under micro-irrigation with a support of ₹740 crore.
• The lining of 450 km of earthen canals in Kota and Bundi districts is under construction with ₹623.38 crore assistance under NABARD Infrastructure Development Assistance.

About NABARD

• NABARD is a development bank focusing on the rural sector of India.
• It is the apex banking institution for providing finance for agriculture and rural development.
• Established in 1982 under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Act, 1981, NABARD is a statutory body with its headquarters in Mumbai.

About RIDF

• The Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) was set up by the Government of India in 1995-96 to finance ongoing rural infrastructure projects.
• Maintained by NABARD, the fund aims to provide loans to State Governments and State-owned corporations for completing ongoing rural infrastructure projects.

Wetland City Accreditation

Why in the News?

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has put forward three cities from India for the Wetland City Accreditation (WCA).
• The cities nominated include Indore and Bhopal from Madhya Pradesh, and Udaipur from Rajasthan.

Udaipur's Wetlands

• Udaipur is encircled by five significant wetlands: Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai.
• These wetlands are vital to the city's culture and identity, aid in regulating the microclimate, and provide a buffer against extreme weather events.

Amrit Dharohar Initiative

• The ongoing Amrit Dharohar initiative by MoEF&CC is in line with the goals of WCA, promoting the conservation values of Ramsar Sites.

Other Nominated Cities for WCA

• In Indore, Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar Site, is being developed as a Bird Sanctuary due to its significance for water bird congregation.
• Bhopal ’s Bhoj Wetland, another Ramsar Site, is equipped with a world-class wetlands interpretation centre called Jal Tarang, making it a crucial resource for the city.

Wetland City Accreditation (WCA)

• The WCA is a voluntary accreditation system set up by the Ramsar Convention in 2015 to acknowledge cities that have made outstanding efforts to protect their urban wetlands.
• The accreditation is valid for six years and aims to promote the conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands, ensuring sustainable socio-economic benefits for local communities.

Good Governance in Rajasthan

During a meeting with divisional officials at the Tripura Sundari Temple complex in Umrai, Banswara, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan stressed the importance of conducting public hearings at the gram panchayat level. He emphasized that good governance is the top priority for the Rajasthan government.

Key Points

• The Rajasthan government is making significant decisions to ensure the progress of the state.
• Every officer and employee plays a crucial role in implementing public welfare schemes and government decisions, ensuring benefits reach eligible individuals.
• The Chief Minister provided instructions for effective monitoring of the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra, reviewed ongoing schemes and programs in the division, and offered necessary guidelines.
• Regular public hearings at the gram panchayat level should be maintained to address grievances, reducing the need for people to travel to district headquarters or the capital.
• As part of the zero tolerance policy, officials are directed to take strict action against corruption, mining, and land mafia activities.

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra and Janjatiya Gaurav Divas

• The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra was launched on November 15, 2023, coinciding with Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.
• The Yatra aims to promote and publicize various government welfare schemes, including Ayushman Bharat PMJAY, PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana.
• During the Yatra, details of potential beneficiaries will be collected to enroll them in these schemes.
• Five specially designed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Vans will spread awareness about these flagship welfare programs.
• The goal is to cover over 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayats and more than 3,600 urban local bodies by January 25, 2024.

Rajasthan’s Baran Benefits from Centre’s Road Scheme

The tribal-dominated Baran district in Rajasthan is set to benefit from the Centre’s scheme for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). This initiative involves the construction of 16 all-weather roads in the region, connecting 38 habitations of the indigenous Saharia tribals with the road network.

• Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari announced that there are seven approved categories of construction, paving the way for public works worth ₹5,000 crore for road construction across the state. The new roads will include national highways, the Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojana, and the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CIRF).
• The 23.24-km-long roads will be constructed at a cost of ₹18.23 crore in Baran district’s Kishanganj and Shahbad panchayat samitis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously interacted virtually with beneficiaries of the scheme and released the first installment of financial assistance for constructing houses under centrally funded schemes.
• The Public Works Department (PWD) has been instructed to start construction work in the seven approved categories, including roads and buildings covered in the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF). Partial advances have been deposited for roads around Pachpadra oil refinery in Barmer district and Cairn Oil and Gas Vedanta Limited in western Rajasthan.
• The Saharia community, classified as PVTGs, considers every adult member part of a governing council headed by a patel. They are skilled woodsmen and forest product gatherers, particularly adept at making catechu from Khair trees.

Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF)

The Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), formerly known as the Central Road Fund, was created under the Central Road Fund Act in 2000.

• The fund is made up of a cess imposed in addition to the excise duty on petrol and diesel.
• Administrative Control : Initially under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the CRIF now falls under the Ministry of Finance.

Rajasthan Declares Half-Day Holiday for Pran-Pratishtha Ceremony

The Rajasthan government has announced a half-day holiday on January 22 to observe the pran-pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of Ram Lalla at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

• This decision follows the Centre's similar announcement for its employees on the same day.
• Preparations for the ceremony include the installation of idols at the temple's entrance and the distribution of invitation cards to various guests, including VVIPs, priests, and politicians.
• Ayodhya has seen significant improvements in anticipation of the temple's inauguration, with increased hotel rates and a rise in tourist activity boosting the local economy.
• The Vande Bharat Express is set to enhance connectivity between Ram Janmabhoomi and Gorakhnath temples in Uttar Pradesh, while airlines are planning to offer services from major cities to Ayodhya.
• The construction of the Ram Temple has already positively impacted Ayodhya's economy by creating job opportunities for locals due to the influx of tourists.

All India Conference of Director Generals of Police

Recently, the Prime Minister of India attended the 58th All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

• It was a three-day being held in hybrid mode with DGPs (Director general of police), IGPs (Inspector-General of Police) and Chiefs of Central Police Organisations.
• A wide range of policing and internal security issues including Cyber Crime, Technology in Policing, Counter Terrorism challenges, Left Wing Extremism, and Prison Reforms were discussed at the conference.
• Another key agenda of the conference is deliberations on the road map for implementation of the new Criminal Laws.
• The Intelligence Bureau organized the first-ever Conference of the IGPs in India in 1920 and since then, these conferences have been held regularly in New Delhi.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of the country, inaugurated the first conference post-independence on January 12, 1950.
• Initially a biennial event, it became an annual meeting for police heads of states, union territories, and central police organizations after 1973.

Harvest Festivals

Makar Sankranti marks the sun's entry into Capricorn (Makara), signaling the start of summer and the auspicious period known as Uttarayan, when the sun moves northward.

• Lohri: Celebrated by north Indian Hindus and Sikhs.
• Sukarat: Observed in central India.
• Bhogali Bihu: Celebrated by Assamese Hindus.
• Pongal: Observed by Tamil and other South Indian Hindus.
• Uttarayan marks the beginning of a six-month period considered highly auspicious for Hindus.
• International Kite Festival : The Gujarat government has been organizing this festival since 1989 as part of the official celebration of Uttarayan.
• Different Names for the Festival : The festivities associated with Makar Sankranti are known by various names across India, reflecting regional customs and traditions.
• In his greetings, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the significance of these festivals in bringing people together and fostering a sense of community.

Review Meeting Ahead of Macron’s Jaipur Visit

• French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit Jaipur on January 25, 2024, ahead of his role as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi on January 26, 2024.
• Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot chaired a high-level review meeting to ensure all preparations for President Macron's visit are in place, including his accommodation, security, and transportation.
• During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of timely preparations and attention to detail for the French President's visit.
• The meeting also highlighted the significance of the upcoming visit, as President Macron had invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day parade in Paris on July 14, 2023.
• The Bastille Day parade is a French military parade held annually on July 14 in Paris, marking the National Day of France. This day commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, a pivotal event in the French Revolution and one of the oldest regular military parades in the world.

Understanding the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)

Recently, the Opposition party in Rajasthan sought clarification on the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government employees who joined service on or after January 1, 2004. The Leader of the Opposition raised this issue during the Zero Hour in the State Assembly.

What is the Old Pension Scheme?

• The Old Pension Scheme (OPS) guarantees a lifelong income to retirees after their service period.
• Under OPS, employees receive a pension calculated at 50% of their last drawn salary. This pension is subject to revision twice a year based on Dearness Relief (DR) adjustments.
• The payout under OPS is fixed, with no deductions from the employee's salary.
• Additionally, OPS includes the provision of the General Provident Fund (GPF).

What is the General Provident Fund (GPF)?

• The GPF is available to all government employees in India. It allows employees to contribute a certain percentage of their salary to the GPF.
• The total amount accumulated in the GPF during the employment period is paid to the employee upon retirement.
• Under OPS, the government bears the cost of the pension. However, this scheme was discontinued in 2004.

What is Zero Hour in Parliament?

• Zero Hour is a unique Indian parliamentary practice not explicitly mentioned in the parliamentary rules.
• During Zero Hour, Members of Parliament (MPs) can raise issues without prior notice.
• Zero Hour begins immediately after Question Hour and lasts until the day’s agenda is taken up.
• In contrast, Question Hour is the first hour of every parliamentary sitting and is outlined in the Rules of Procedure of the House.

Rajasthan Tableau for Republic Day Parade 2024

Overview and Theme

• Rajasthan’s tableau for the Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2024, showcased the state’s rich cultural heritage, exquisite handicrafts, and renowned tourist destinations.
• The theme of the tableau, “Viksit Bharat Mein – Padharo Mhare Desh – Rajasthan,” aimed to promote the state’s tourism potential.

Cultural Representation

• The tableau highlighted the development of women’s handicraft industries, intertwined with Rajasthan’s vibrant festive culture, offering a glimpse into the state’s cultural and architectural legacy.
• A prominent feature was a statue of Meera Bai, a revered figure symbolizing devotion and strength, positioned at the rear of the tableau.

Handicraft Traditions

• The tableau showcased Rajasthan’s rich handicraft traditions, including bandhej, bagru print, and applique work, all skillfully crafted by women.
• These handicrafts represented the entrepreneurial spirit of the “Women of Rajasthan.”

Camel Utsav Legacy

• Models of two camels adorned with Gorband (neck ornaments) were displayed, reflecting the legacy of the annual Camel Utsav held in Rajasthan.
• This year, the United Nations has also declared 2024 as the International Year of Camelids, highlighting the significance of camelids in ecosystem protection, biodiversity conservation, and food security in the face of climate change.

Meera Bai

• Meera Bai was a notable saint, poetess, and devotee of Lord Krishna during the Bhakti movement in India.
• She became a key figure in the Bhakti movement, which emphasized a personal connection with the divine and advocated love and devotion as a path to salvation.

International Year of Camelids 2024

• The UN has designated 2024 as the International Year of Camelids to raise awareness about their role in ecosystem protection, biodiversity conservation, and adaptation to climate change, ensuring food security.

Rajasthan Governor Announces Economic Revival Task Force

On January 26, 2024, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra declared the establishment of an Economic Revival Task Force. This task force is tasked with creating a roadmap to strengthen and sustainably develop the state's economy.

• The Economic Revival Task Force aims to build a robust economic infrastructure for Rajasthan's future, ensuring holistic and sustainable development.
• Governor Mishra emphasized the importance of an "ease of doing business" model to promote economic growth. He highlighted the state's commitment to socio-economic development for all sections of society, inspired by the Antyodaya concept of Jan Sangh leader Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.
• Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, born in 1916 in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, was a prominent Indian politician and a key figure in the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the precursor to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His influence extended beyond party politics, shaping India's political thought and discourse.

Major Schemes associated with Deendayal Upadhyaya :

• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY) : Aimed at poverty alleviation.
• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY) : Focused on diversifying incomes of rural poor families and addressing the career aspirations of rural youth.
• Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana : To provide electricity to rural households.
• Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Shramev Jayate Karyakram : To foster industrial development through skill training.
• Deendayal Upadhyaya Swaniyojan Yojana (DUSY) : A rural counterpart of the Startup India initiative.

Padma Shri for 5 Persons from Rajasthan

Recently, President Droupadi Murmu approved the conferment of Padma Shri awards to five individuals from Rajasthan for their exceptional contributions in various fields.

Ali Mohammed and Ghani Mohammed:

• Folk Singing : The Ghani Brothers, known for their excellence in folk singing, are receiving one award for their outstanding contributions to the art.

Laxman Bhatt Tailang:

• Dhrupad Music : At 93 years old, Laxman Bhatt Tailang, a renowned Dhrupad player, is being recognized for his lifelong dedication to Indian classical music. He has authored several books on the subject and has taught Dhrupad to numerous students.

Maya Tandon:

• Road Safety : Maya Tandon is honored for her work in road safety, having trained over 100,000 individuals in rescue techniques for road accident victims.

Janki Lal Bhand:

• Behrupiya Art : At 81 years old, Janki Lal Bhand has preserved and promoted Behrupiya art, a form of performance art involving impersonation of various characters. He has performed this art form in over 10 countries, keeping this traditional art alive.

Rajasthan Government Launches Drone Survey to Combat Illegal Mining

Illegal Mining

• The Rajasthan government has initiated a significant crackdown on illegal mining activities by conducting drone surveys to identify and curb such practices.
• The highest number of illegal mining cases, totaling 75, have been reported in the Bhilwara district.
• Rajasthan is rich in minerals, with 81 varieties found in the state, out of which 57 are being commercially exploited.
• The state holds the record for the highest number of mining leases in the country.
• To combat unlicensed and illegal mining, the government is utilizing remote sensing data and geographic information systems (GIS).

Measures Taken by the Government

• Revenue authorities are actively involved in the campaign to take action under the Rajasthan Tenancy Act, 1955, aiming to cancel khatedari (title) rights on land where illegal mining is occurring.
• Field officers are responsible for identifying the mining mafia and violators, submitting data online for further action.

Understanding Illegal Mining

• Illegal mining refers to the extraction of minerals, ores, or valuable resources from land or water bodies without the necessary permits, licenses, or regulatory approvals.
• It often involves violations of environmental, labor, and safety standards.

Legal Framework for Mining in India

• The Constitution of India grants state governments ownership of minerals within their boundaries, while the central government owns minerals in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
• The Mines & Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act of 1957 provides the legal framework for mining activities in India.
• State governments have the authority to frame policies and legislation relating to minor minerals, while major minerals are regulated by the Ministry of Mines under the Union Government.