In poll-bound Meghalaya, rat-hole coal mining hopes ride on Article 371
The Hindu
Regional party in Meghalaya seeks Article 371 for coal mining, citing Nagaland as an example; elections on February 21.
GUWAHATI
A regional party in poll-bound Meghalaya has indicated that bringing the State under the purview of Article 371 could help resume rat-hole coal mining, which has been banned since April 2014.
Article 371 of the Constitution of India grants special powers to certain States.
Strong Pillar Kharjaha, one of the candidates of the Voice of the People Party (VPP), cited the example of Nagaland to seek Article 371 for Meghalaya. Specific to Nagaland, Article 371A has special provisions guaranteeing the protection of land and its resources apart from the Naga customary law and procedure.
Also read | Meghalaya’s largest opposition party skips tribal council polls
Mr Kharjana is contesting the Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah constituency of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) where elections are scheduled for February 21. Elections to the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) will also be held on the same day.
The two tribal councils have 30 seats each but elections are held in 29 while the Governor nominates a member.
Prismforce Skill Management Platform Now Available on SAP® Store
ECI orders immediate transfer of officials in Kerala for April Assembly polls, restricting their involvement in election-related tasks.
South Western Railway introduces special express trains for Ugadi festival to manage increased passenger demand and ease travel congestion.
Udupi's Sri Lakshmi Express bus service halts after owner’s death, disrupting travel for hundreds, including students during II PUC exams.
Madras High Court defers ruling on tender disputes for live webcasting in Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026, affecting surveillance companies.
Hyderabad's LPG crisis forces kitchens to switch to firewood, raising environmental, health, and fire safety concerns amid rising costs.
Congress urges Election Commission to reconsider Puducherry Assembly election date, citing potential campaigning challenges and Assembly tenure concerns.
Shorts News:JD Vance backs Trump’s handling of Iran war amid speculation of rift
The Clamorous reed warbler is as loud as they come, but in the urban environment, it is outshouted. Weed clearing in urban habitats brings down its home, the bulrushes. Bulrushes in wetlands are not encroachments, but ‘legal homes’ to birds in the crake and rail family and warblers, so government line agencies ought to tread on them thoughtfully
Uttar Pradesh ATS arrests a dental student for alleged connections to an ISIS online module, probing extremist recruitment activities.
Rajinikanth refutes TVK leader's claims about DMK threats preventing his political entry, expressing gratitude to supportive political figures.
Tamil Nadu CM Stalin celebrates the Union government's approval for archaeological excavations, crediting DMK's persistent advocacy for the win.
Dilip Ghosh will contest Kharagpur Sadar in the 2026 West Bengal polls, aiming for increased BJP votes.