Meghalaya Government Seeks Time to Address Coal Miners' Concerns

In Meghalaya, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has requested three months to negotiate with coal miners seeking regulatory changes. Amid ongoing hunger strikes led by miners, discussions with government officials have yet to yield solutions. The miners, particularly from East Jaintia Hills, demand easing of mining regulations to support small-scale operations. The government aims to address these concerns while navigating the complexities of coal mining regulations. The situation remains tense as miners continue their protests, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and resolution.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 18, 2026, 11:39 IST

Negotiations for Coal Mining Regulations in Meghalaya

Previously, miners engaged in unregulated rat-hole mining, which led to environmental damage; this practice was prohibited in 2014 (Photo - PTI)

Shillong, June 18: Prestone Tynsong, the Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya and Home Minister, has requested a three-month extension from protesting coal miners to negotiate with the central government regarding the relaxation of specific coal mining regulations in the state.

As the hunger strike by distressed coal miners continues, discussions between state government representatives and coal mine proprietors did not yield any resolutions today.

A group of coal mine owners from the Jaintia Hills met with Chief Secretary Shakil Ahammed and Principal Secretary Fredrick Roy Kharkongor at the Secretariat. Following the meeting, the owners expressed dissatisfaction with the government's assurances.

Miners, particularly from the East Jaintia Hills, are urging the state government to modify certain mining regulations to support small-scale miners.

The ongoing hunger strike, led by Marshall SB Biam, president of the Jaintia Coal Owners, Miners, Suppliers and Workers Association, has been in effect since June 1. On Tuesday, Biam was hospitalized due to health complications after 16 days of fasting.

In response, the Deputy Chief Minister has urged the protesting coal mine leaders to end the hunger strike and participate in discussions with the government.

“The Chief Minister has asked all parties involved in the coal industry to be patient for about three months. During this time, the state government plans to engage directly with the Government of India to seek the relaxation of certain legal clauses and regulations that are currently obstructing local coal miners,” Tynsong stated.

Coal is classified as a regulated mineral, governed by central government legal requirements, which include obtaining approval for mining plans, environmental clearances, and compliance with other regulations.

Coal miners contend that the existing legal and regulatory framework is both time-consuming and costly for small-scale operators.

Historically, these miners utilized unscientific rat-hole mining methods that harmed the environment, a practice that was banned in 2014. Presently, only a few miners have received approval for open-cast scientific mining, which requires significant investment and time.

“The government is diligently seeking all possible solutions to eliminate the obstacles that have adversely affected the livelihoods and economy of the state’s miners,” the Deputy Chief Minister concluded.