Cabinet approves Restructuring of Indian Bureau of Mines

The Union Cabinet has approved restructuring of Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) by upgradation, creation and abolition of certain posts of Joint Secretary-level and above. Decision in this regard was taken at Union Cabinet Meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

Background

The Union Ministry of Mines had constituted Committee for comprehensive ‘Review and Restructuring of Functions and Role of IBM’ in the light of ‘National Mineral Policy’ (NMP) 2008. The Committee submitted its report in 2012 which was accepted by the Ministry.

Key Facts

The restructuring will help IBM to effectively discharge its function to help reform and transform the regulation of the mineral sector. It will enable IBM to adopt IT and space technology IBM to improve its effectiveness in mineral regulation and development. Further, it will entail great deal of decision-making and accountability in functioning of IBM. The improved and enhanced performance of IBM through restructuring will benefit the mining sector.

Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM)

IBM was set up by Central Government in March, 1948 under Ministry of Works, Mines and Power (now Ministry of Mines). It is multi-disciplinary government organisation engaged in promotion of conservation, scientific development of mineral resources and protection of environment in mines other than coal, atomic minerals, petroleum & natural gas and minor minerals. It is headquartered at Nagpur, Maharashtra. It is primarily advisory body to help in formulation of policy and legal framework for mining sector and advising Central and State Governments on development and utilization of mineral resources. It helps states in preparation of auction blocks, publishing of average sale price, assisting in post auction monitoring and approval process.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2018