Punjab seeks relief in revised SASCI Mining criteria; Cites first rank in 2025 Readiness Index
Barinder Goyal raises concerns over eligibility rules favouring major mineral auctions; Union Minister G Kishan Reddy assures support
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 7, 2026: Punjab has urged the Union Ministry of Mines to reconsider the revised eligibility criteria under the State Support for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme for 2026-27, arguing that the framework gives greater weightage to major mineral auctions and operationalisation, potentially disadvantaging states primarily dependent on minor minerals.
Punjab Mines and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal raised the issue at the Conference of Mining Ministers on Reforms in the Mines and Coal Sector, held in Goa on November 5 and 6. The conference was chaired by Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy.
Goyal pointed out that Punjab had secured the first position among Category-C states under the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) for 2025-26 and received a financial incentive of ₹200 crore for its mining reforms. However, he said the revised SASCI criteria for 2026-27 placed greater emphasis on major mineral mine auctions and their operationalisation.
Punjab is largely dependent on minor minerals such as sand, gravel and earth to meet construction requirements and currently has no operational major mineral sites. Goyal argued that the state’s geological limitations should not prevent it from accessing financial assistance linked to mining reforms.
He urged the Centre to restore equal weightage for minor mineral reforms under SASCI 2026-27 or introduce alternative eligibility criteria to ensure that states such as Punjab are not excluded from reform-linked financial support.
Reddy assured Punjab of the Union government’s cooperation in addressing its concerns and said the Ministry of Mines would examine the state’s representation regarding the SASCI framework.
Potash exploration and geological surveys
Goyal also presented Punjab’s plans to strengthen mineral exploration, particularly potash deposits in Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib, along with hydrocarbon exploration being facilitated under Mission Anveshan.
He sought early sanctions from the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) for potash exploration blocks, including those proposed for 2027-28 at Patrewala, Khippanwali, Khuranj and Badian.
The minister also requested an upgrade of geological exploration from G-3 to G-1 in Rajpura, Gidranwali and Shergarh to improve the prospects of attracting investment.
Referring to the 46-square-kilometre Shergarh block, Goyal said it had failed to attract bidders in recent auctions. He urged the Union Ministry to encourage companies exploring the adjoining Nagaur-Ganganagar basin in Rajasthan to participate in bidding for the Punjab block as well.
To facilitate exploration, Punjab has constituted a State-Level Coordination Committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary and a Joint Working Group to address land-clearance issues and prevent delays for survey teams.
Punjab’s mining revenue rises nearly sevenfold
Goyal said Punjab’s annual mining revenue had increased from ₹123.5 crore in 2017-18 to ₹799 crore in 2025-26, attributing the rise to technology-driven reforms, digital monitoring and greater transparency in the sector.
He said a Centre of Excellence had been established at IIT Ropar under an MoU signed in March 2025 to strengthen scientific mining management.
The department is also undertaking Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) surveys, drone mapping and bathymetric surveys for river replenishment studies. These exercises have identified 268 potential mining sites, while 13 District Survey Reports have been prepared and approved by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), according to the minister.
Goyal said the Punjab Mining Management System (PMMS) portal had strengthened traceability across the mining sector. It integrates 447 verified crushers with smart power meters and platforms including VAHAN, FASTag, the Treasury and Pollution Control Board networks.
He further stated that environmental clearance processing time had been reduced from more than a year to less than six months. The number of clearances granted increased from 15 in 2025-26 to 47 in 2026-27 so far, he added.
Follow-up meeting planned in Chandigarh
On the sidelines of the conference, Goyal met senior officials of the Union Ministry of Mines to discuss Punjab-specific issues.
Those present included Dr Veena Kumari Dermal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines; Dinesh Ganvir, Director General of Mines; and Yogendra Singh Bhamboo, Director (Technical).
The minister said a follow-up meeting would be held in Chandigarh to take forward the matters discussed and work towards resolving the state’s mining-related concerns.