Jammu, Nov 24 (KNO): 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.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the Union Minister and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today launched the e-Auction of Limestone Blocks during a dedicated launch programme and roadshow held in the winter capital.
While addressing the launch ceremony, Reddy said, “Seven limestone mineral blocks were launched by us with J&K CM Omar Abdullah. J&K has joined the mineral action map today.”
He said, “In 2014, the Supreme Court instructed the government to reform the mining sector with transparency. PM Modi has brought a regime for this action. This action regime is running with 100% transparency today."
The Union Minister said that today all the states have risen above politics and are working towards empowering the youth. “They are also playing a key role in improving the ease of doing business,” he said.
Reddy highlighted that proactive participation by states has ensured holistic development across sectors, particularly mining. “All the state governments have come into the mineral action map,” he said, adding that reforms and coordinated efforts have accelerated the pace of exploration and resource utilisation.
Reddy said, “More than 1000 mineral and coal blocks have been auctioned so far, marking a historic leap in resource management,” he said.
The Union Minister praised the transparent and competitive auction process introduced by the PM Modi led government stating that it has not only boosted investor confidence but also opened new avenues for employment and industrial growth. He said the sector is now contributing significantly to revenue generation for states, thereby enabling them to enhance welfare and development programmes.
Earlier talking to the reporters, Reddy said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah want Jammu and Kashmir to become a mineral state.”
“This limestone mineral blocks auction is happening for the first time in J&K. PM Modi and Amit Shah ji want to create more and more employment opportunities for the J&K people and increase mineral activity here” he added.
Reddy described the auction as a transformative milestone for the region and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that mineral development leads to employment generation, industrial growth, and long-term socio-economic benefits for local communities.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah noted that the initiative will strengthen investor confidence, diversify the region’s industrial base, and support employment and entrepreneurship avenues for the youth.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary congratulated all stakeholders and acknowledged the collaborative role of the Centre and the UT Government in driving this reform.
As part of the roadshow, MECL presented detailed technical and geological assessments of the identified blocks, SBI Capital Markets explained the transactional framework, and MSTC demonstrated the e-auction process, ensuring that potential bidders are adequately informed and supported.
SIGNIFICANT STEP IN IMPLEMENTING MINING REFORMS
Notably, the launching of mineral blocks marked a significant step in implementing the mining reforms introduced under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act), 2015 and has positioned Jammu & Kashmir among States and UTs adopting a transparent, digital, and auction-based system for mineral resource allocation.
An official said, “Seven limestone blocks, spread across the districts of Anantnag, Rajouri, and Poonch, were put up for auction. These blocks, classified under G3 and G4 stages of the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC), cover approximately 314 hectares and are anticipated to generate significant industrial interest, particularly in the cement and construction sectors.”
The auction, he said, is being conducted under subsections (4) and (5) of Section 11 of the MMDR Act, represents a major step forward in unlocking the mineral wealth of Jammu & Kashmir, which is now entering the national competitive bidding ecosystem for the first time.
“The limestone auction in Jammu & Kashmir aligns with the Central Government’s broader development push for the Union Territory. Under the Prime Minister’s Industrial Development Scheme, J&K is being positioned as an emerging investment hub with a clear focus on job creation and transparent industrial processes. Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing improvements in connectivity and infrastructure, which support mining and allied sectors. The successful auction is expected to boost local industry, generate employment, and contribute to the government’s vision of fast-tracking economic growth in Jammu & Kashmir,” he added.
The sale of Tender Documents will begin on November 28, 2025, with the pre-bid conference on December 12, 2025. The last date for purchase of Tender Documents is January 19, 2026, and the last date for submission of bids is January 20, 2026 via the MSTC online auction platform, the official said, adding that this initiative reflects the Government of India’s continued commitment to transparency, technology-enabled regulation, and sustainable resource utilization—advancing the vision of a self-reliant mineral sector and contributing to the broader national goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.Jammu & Kashmir
For more details on auction terms, timeline, and participation, visit the MSTC auction platform at https://www.mstcecommerce.com/auctionhome/mlcln/—(KNO)