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Cong blocks Mines Bill in RS

Parliament on Thursday, saw uproar and acrimony over the mines and minerals Bill tabled by the government. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for three short spells because of the din. Opposing the Bill, the Congress stalled proceedings in the House and opposed the extension of the session.

However, some opposition paries said they would back the Bill. The TMC, BJD, BSP, SP and NCP have said that would vote in in favour of the Bill. Earlier on Tuesday, amid an opposition walkout, Lok Sabha passed the Bill seeking to introduce the system of auction of mines to enhance transparency and augment mineral production.

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015, which will replace an ordinance promulgated in January. Steel and mines minister Narendra Singh Tomar had on Tuesday said the Bill once enacted will increase transparency, end discretion, augment production and benefit the local population. Noting that iron ore production had gradually declined to 152 million tonnes in 2013-14 from 218 million tonnes in 2009-10.
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