Priyadarshi Siddhanta

Determined to clean up the mining sector and improve its growth prospects, the Union mines ministry, prodded by Home Minister P Chidambaram, has suggested that the proposed National Mineral Regulatory Authority (NMRA) be armed with adequate prosecution powers and its officers be provided with powers of the police to facilitate inquiries.

In a note prepared for a Group of Ministers set up to finalise the draft Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Bill 2010, the ministry has said the proposed NMRA be empowered