No mining by PSUs for trade in Scheduled Areas: tribal affairs minister

'Forest department is worst enemy of Forest Rights Act'

The Union minister for tribal affairs and panchayati raj, V Kishore Chandra Deo, says he does not want public sector companies (PSUs) to undertake mineral exploration in Scheduled Areas or tribal-dominated areas as listed in the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution. These areas enjoy special powers and privileges. In an interview to Down To Earth (DTE), Deo pointed out that the Constitution does not allow private companies to mine in Scheduled Areas. But mining by PSUs for trade purposes also violates the Constitutional provision in 'spirit', he says.

“Minerals are our national wealth. Even PSUs should undertake mining only for their own consumption. There should be no mineral lifting for outright trade. And when I say PSUs, I mean state enterprises that require minerals for their own production and not the companies that trade in minerals,” he says.

The Constitution does not allow private companies to mine in Scheduled Areas, so why should PSUs be allowed to mine for trade purposes
The prime minister reportedly called Deo last month and mandated him to take measures to revitalise Forest Rights Act and Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act
'If I feel it is necessary to go for a further legislation to ensure states compliance with the provisions of PESA, I will have to do that'