The Ministry of Coal (MoC), on July 13, 2026, invited public comments on the draft amendments to rules framed under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), following the enactment of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026. The amendments to the MMDR Act, which decriminalise contraventions of rules and concession conditions by replacing criminal liability with civil penalties, will take effect from August 1, 2026.
The consultation covers consequential amendments to the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960, Colliery Control Rules, 2004, and Coal Blocks Allocation Rules, 2017, alongside the proposed Minerals (Manner of Holding Inquiry and Appeal) Rules, 2026, which prescribe the procedure for inquiry, adjudication, and appeals and also extend to coal and lignite.
The Ministry has invited comments from the public, State Governments, Union Territories, industry stakeholders, and other interested persons within 21 days from the date of issuance of the notice, through email or by post, for consideration before finalising the amendments.
[Notification No. PS1/1/2026-PS1 (FTS: 365152)]
