Says “Auction regime brought by PM Modi running with 100% transparency”
Jammu: Asserting that states across the country have “risen above political differences” and are collectively working towards empowering the youth, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy on Monday congratulated Jammu and Kashmir for joining the mineral action map. The Union Minister and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday launched the e-Auction of Limestone Blocks during a dedicated launch programme and roadshow held in the winter capital.
Addressing the launch ceremony Union Minister Reddy emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency in the mining sector, a directive stemming from a 2014 Supreme Court ruling. Reddy noted that all states are collaborating to empower youth and enhance the ease of doing business, with proactive state participation leading to significant reforms in mining. Over 1,000 mineral and coal blocks have been auctioned, reflecting a historic advancement in resource management. The transparent auction process has bolstered investor confidence, created employment opportunities, and increased state revenues, which in turn supports welfare and development initiatives. Reddy highlighted the government’s aim for J&K to become a mineral-rich state, with the limestone auction being a first for the region, aimed at generating jobs and boosting mineral activity. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the initiative’s potential to strengthen investor confidence and diversify the industrial base, while Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary praised the collaborative efforts of the Centre and the UT Government. The auction process included detailed presentations from MECL, SBI Capital Markets, and MSTC to ensure potential bidders are well-informed. The auction of the seven limestone blocks, covering approximately 314 hectares across Anantnag, Rajouri, and Poonch districts, is a significant step in implementing the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2015. This initiative positions J&K within a national competitive bidding framework for the first time, aligning with the Central Government’s broader development strategy for the region. The timeline for the auction includes the sale of tender documents starting November 28, 2025, with a pre-bid conference on December 12, 2025, and the final bid submission date set for January 20, 2026. This initiative reflects the Government of India’s commitment to transparency, technology-enabled regulation, and sustainable resource utilization, contributing to the vision of a self-reliant mineral sector and the national goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. For further details, interested parties can visit the MSTC auction platform.
