In a bid to enhance the ease of doing business, the Coal Ministry wants to amend the rate of interest charged on late payment of rent and royalty from coal mines. The Ministry reviewed penal provisions in Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 (MCR) to identify violations which could be decriminalised and those for which the penalty can be reduced. Accordingly, the Coal Ministry has prepared the draft Mineral Concession (Amendment) Rules, 2022 seeking to amend the MCR and draft amendment in the notification for royalty on coal/lignite as per the second Schedule of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regularisation) Act, 1957.