The Nagaland state government has granted permits to two oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) companies for E&P activities in the state in blatant violation of the Constitution of India, Article 246, Seventh Schedule - List-I and Entry 53.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), on its part, has already stated that the power to make laws in respect of subjects covered under List-I rests with Parliament. However, in February 2014 the Nagaland government awarded two oil & gas blocks in accordance with its own Nagaland Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulation/ Rules 2012. These blocks were awarded after Nagaland invited EOIs from companies for exploration, production, extraction, refining and bottling of petroleum & natural gas in December 2013.
Under the previous Manmohan Singh Government too, the then petroleum & natural gas minister had requested the Nagaland Chief Minister to withdraw the notification issued by his government, pointing out that a state Assembly is not empowered to make any laws in respect of mineral oil — a subject that is specifically covered under Entry 53 of List-I.
A reference has also been received by the petroleum and natural gas minister from the Governor of Nagaland and through the President’s Office regarding the violation (award of the two blocks) by the state government. The home ministry has now asked the petroleum ministry to initiate action against the Nagaland state government.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), on its part, has already stated that the power to make laws in respect of subjects covered under List-I rests with Parliament. However, in February 2014 the Nagaland government awarded two oil & gas blocks in accordance with its own Nagaland Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulation/ Rules 2012. These blocks were awarded after Nagaland invited EOIs from companies for exploration, production, extraction, refining and bottling of petroleum & natural gas in December 2013.
Under the previous Manmohan Singh Government too, the then petroleum & natural gas minister had requested the Nagaland Chief Minister to withdraw the notification issued by his government, pointing out that a state Assembly is not empowered to make any laws in respect of mineral oil — a subject that is specifically covered under Entry 53 of List-I.
A reference has also been received by the petroleum and natural gas minister from the Governor of Nagaland and through the President’s Office regarding the violation (award of the two blocks) by the state government. The home ministry has now asked the petroleum ministry to initiate action against the Nagaland state government.