PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), MARCH 28, 2025

(CHTR 7, 1947 SAKA)

2313

PUNJAB LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

NOTIFICATION

The 28th March, 2025

No. 10-PLA-2025/12.- The Punjab Regulation of Crusher Units, and

Stockists and Retailers Bill, 2025 is hereby published for general information

under the proviso to rule 121 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of

Business in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha (Punjab Legislative Assembly):-

BILL NO. 10-PLA-2025

THE PUNJAB REGULATION OF CRUSHER UNITS, AND

STOCKISTS AND RETAILERS BILL, 2025

BILL

to regulate the operations of Crusher Units, and Stockists and Retailers

engaged in the processing of minor minerals as defined in the Mines and

Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (Central Act No.67 of 1957).

BE it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Punjab in the Seventy-

sixth Year of the Republic of India as follows:-

EXTRAORDINARY

Published by Authority

CHANDIGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2025

(CHAITRA 7, 1947 SAKA)

( 2313 )

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), MARCH 28, 2025

(CHTR 7, 1947 SAKA)

2314

PART- I

(1)

This Act may be called the Punjab Regulation of Crusher

Units, and Stockists and Retailers Act, 2025.

(2)

It shall extend to the whole of the State of Punjab.

(3)

It shall come into force on such date as the Government may,

by notification, appoint.

(1)

In this Act, unless the context requires otherwise,-

(a)

"Assessing Authority" means the District Mining Officer and

includes such other officer, as may be authorized by the Director

to make assessment under this Act or rules made thereunder;

(b)

“Calendar Year” means the period from 1st January till 31st

December in a Gregorian Calendar,-

(c)

“Crusher Owner” includes,-

(i)

Owner of the Crusher Unit in case of Sole

Proprietorship;

(ii)

Directors in case of incorporation of the Crusher Unit

as a Company;

(iii)

Partners in case of incorporation of the Crusher Unit

as a firm or partnership;

(iv)

Trustees in case of incorporation of the Crusher Unit

as a Trust;

(v)

Members in case of incorporation of the Crusher Unit

as a Society; and

(vi)

Lessee and Lessor of the Crusher Unit;

(d)

“Crusher Unit” means an industrial unit established for the

processing of minor minerals, duly incorporated as a Sole

Proprietorship or a Partnership or a Company or a Trust or a

Society, and shall include Screening Plants;

(e)

“default of Government Dues” means the default in payment

of any Government Dues or the default in timely payment of

Short title,

extent and

commencement.

Definitions.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), MARCH 28, 2025

(CHTR 7, 1947 SAKA)

2315

any permitted instalment of Government Dues, that have

accrued as a result of any Assessment Order and for which a

Notice has been duly issued to a Crusher Unit or a Stockist

and Retailer asking it to make the payment forthwith;

(f)

“Department” means the Department of Mines and Geology,

Government of Punjab;

(g)

“derivative” means any or all of the products obtained after

processing of minor minerals in any Crusher Unit;

(h)

“Director” means the Director, Mines and Geology

Government of Punjab;

(i)

"District Mining Officer" means the District Level Officer

appointed by the Government for the purposes of this Act;

(j)

"Environmental Management Fund (EMF)" means the Fund

in which the amount charged from the Crusher Owner under

this Act shall be credited, which shall be utilized as per the

provisions of the Punjab Minor Mineral Rules, 2013, as

amended from time to time;

(k)

“Government” means the Government of the State of Punjab

in the Department of Mines and Geology;

(l)

“Government dues” means any unpaid fee, tax, royalty, penalty

or any other charge levied by the Government of Punjab in

connection with the excavation, purchase, sale and processing

of minor minerals and any derivative thereof, and shall include

any recoverables from the Crusher Unit or Stockist and Retailer

at the commencement of this Act;

(m)

“illegal mining” means any activity associated with illegal

excavation and sale of minor minerals;

(n)

“illegal processing” means any activity undertaken by a Crusher

Unit for processing of illegally excavated or illegally procured

or illegally purchased minor minerals;

(o)

“illegal purchase” means the purchase or possession of minor

minerals without any valid proof of purchase;

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), MARCH 28, 2025

(CHTR 7, 1947 SAKA)

2316

(p)

“prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act;

(q)

“Registration” means the Registration of a Crusher Unit with

the Department;

(r)

“Return” means any statement of account in such form, as

may be prescribed;

(s )

“Stock” means unprocessed sand or gravel or derivatives lying

with a Crusher Unit or Stockist and Retailer; and

(t)

“Stockist and Retailer” means any legal entity engaged in the

sale and purchase of minor minerals and derivatives at a site

other than the Pit Head of a mine or a Crusher Unit.

(2)

Unless defined otherwise, the words and expressions used in

this Act shall have the same meaning as, respectively, assigned to them in the

Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (Central Act

No.67 of 1957) and the rules made thereunder.

PART-II

(1)

It shall be mandatory for every Crusher Unit to register itself

with the Department in such form and in such manner, as may be prescribed.

(2)

Registration of any Crusher Unit shall be non-transferable in

case of Sole Proprietorship and firms.

(3)

The Crusher Unit Registration Number (CURN) of a Crusher

Unit shall be unique. The Registration Number shall remain unchanged even if

there is a change in the Crusher Owners.

(4)

The Department shall endeavour to put in place a seamless

online portal for Registration of Crusher Units.

(5)

The validity of any Registration shall expire upon the end of a

Calendar Year or such period, as may be prescribed.

(6)

The Department may refuse to register any Crusher Unit

that,-

(a)

fails to meet its mandatory requirements as may be prescribed

or any direction issued under this Act;

Registration of

Crusher Units.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), MARCH 28, 2025

(CHTR 7, 1947 SAKA)

2317

(b)

violates any of the provisions of this Act; or

(c)

is in default of any Government Dues mandated under this

Act.

(7)

Any Crusher Unit, registered with the Department prior to

the coming into force of this Act, shall continue to remain Registered for the

remaining period of its Registration, unless terminated earlier under section 9

of this Act.

(8)

A period of three months, from the date of coming into force

of this Act, shall be granted to every Crusher Unit to bring its operations in

conformity with the provisions of this Act before any penal proceedings under

this Act are initiated against it.

(1)

The Government shall, from time to time, prescribe the fee to

be paid by a Crusher Unit for,–

(a)

Registration;

(b)

renewal of Registration; and

(c)

delayed renewal of Registration of any Crusher Unit.

(2)

Any application received without the accompanying fee shall

be summarily rejected.

(3)

The Government may, from time to time, prescribe a Mineral

Processing Fee to be paid by the Crusher Unit for the purpose of damage to

infrastructure of roads or waterways etc as a result of the running of the

Crusher Unit and to and fro transportation of minor minerals and derivatives

from it.

(4)

Where the Government assigns any or all the functions under

this Act to a Board or Corporation, established by the State Government, the

Government may, from time to time, prescribe an annual Administration Fee to

be paid by a Crusher Unit to such a Board or Corporation.

(1)

Every Crusher Unit shall be liable to pay such amount, as

may be prescribed into the Environmental Management Fund established by

the Government, on account of the environmental damage caused by the

operation of such a Crusher Unit:

Fees and

payments.

Environmental

Management

Fund.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), MARCH 28, 2025

(CHTR 7, 1947 SAKA)

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Provided that where the Crusher Unit obtains a certificate from the

Punjab Pollution Control Board that it is a non-polluting industrial unit, no such

amount shall be payable by it.

(2)

Every Crusher Unit shall continue to be liable to pay any amount

assessed to be paid into the Environmental Management Fund under any Policy

in force from time to time before the commencement of this Act.

(3)

Any Crusher Unit with liabilities under sub-section (2) shall,

within three months of the commencement of this Act or the assessment of

such liability, whichever is later, pay such outstanding liabilities into the

Environmental Management Fund, failing which its registration shall be deemed

to have been terminated.

(1)

Any Crusher Unit with a valid Consent to Operate issued by

the Punjab Pollution Control Board shall be eligible to apply for Registration

with the Department.

(2)

Every legal entity applying for registration of Crusher Unit

shall,-

(a)

possess permanent Account Number (PAN) issued by the

Income Tax Department;

(b)

possess Goods and Services Tax Identification Number

(GSTIN); and

(3)

fulfill such other criteria, as may be prescribed.

(1)

It shall be mandatory for every Crusher Unit to apply for

renewal of its Registration at least forty five days before its expiry in such

form and in such manner, as may be prescribed:

Provided that any application for renewal of registration, received less

than forty five days before the expiry of Registration, shall be treated as delayed

renewal of Registration.

(2)

The Registration of any Crusher Unit shall not be valid beyond

the last day of any Calendar Year i.e. 31st December of any year or such date,

as may be prescribed.

(3)

The renewal of Registration shall be permitted only if the

Eligibility to be

registered as a

Crushed Unit.

Renewal of

Registration of a

Crusher Unit.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), MARCH 28, 2025

(CHTR 7, 1947 SAKA)

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Crusher Unit,-

(a)

satisfies the criteria for Registration of the Crusher Unit as

on 1st January of the forthcoming year;

(b)

is not in default of any Government dues, including the amount

required to be paid by it into the Environmental Management

Fund; and

(c)

has filed all the prescribed Returns until the month of October

of the year in which its Registration is valid.

(4)

The renewal of Registration of a Crusher Unit shall be

automatic, unless rejected for specific reasons to be recorded, in writing, within

a period of forty five days of applying.

(1)

An officer not below the rank of District Mining Officer may

suspend the Registration of any Crusher Unit in such form, as may be

prescribed, upon the availability of preliminary evidence of,-

(a)

failure to file two consecutive Returns;

(b)

conviction by a Court in any criminal case related to illegal

mining;

(c)

illegal mining attributed to the Crusher Unit in such form, as

may be prescribed;

(d)

illegal purchase attributed to the Crusher Unit in such form,

as may be prescribed;

(e)

illegal processing attributed to the Crusher Unit in such form,

as may be prescribed;

(f)

violation of any of the provisions of the Mines and Minerals

(Development and Regulation) Act, 1957;

(g)

violation of any of the provisions of the Punjab Minor Mineral

Rules, 2013;

(h)

violation of any of the provisions of this Act, or any direction

issued or any rule made thereunder;

(i)

withdrawal of Consent to Operate by the Punjab Pollution

Suspension of

Registration of a

Crusher Unit.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), MARCH 28, 2025

(CHTR 7, 1947 SAKA)

2320

Control Board; or

(j)

failure to pay, within the time period prescribed, any

Government Dues for which an Assessment Order has been

passed by the Competent Authority.

(2)

Where the Registration of any Crusher Unit has been

suspended, the officer issuing such an order shall draw up the Articles of

Suspension in such form, as may be prescribed, citing the reasons for suspension

of the registration of the Crusher Unit and convey the same to the Crusher

Owner within seven working days of issuance of the order of suspension.

(3)

The Crusher Owner may seek a review of the order of

suspension within seven days of the receipt of Articles of Suspension.

(4)

No order of suspension shall remain in force beyond six months

from the date of issue.

(5)

The District Mining Officer, or such other officer, as may be

authorized by the Director in this regard, may seal the Crusher Unit during the

period of suspension.

(6)

The Crusher Owner shall not operate the Crusher Unit during

the period of suspension of Registration.

(1)

An officer, not below the rank of District Mining Officer, may

terminate the Registration of any Crusher Unit in such form, as may be

prescribed in the event of,-

(a)

failure to file at least three Returns in a Calendar Year;

(b)

conviction by a Court in any criminal case registered under

the provisions of this Act along with sentence of a minimum

of one year simple imprisonment;

(c)

charges of illegal mining having been proved against it;

(d)

charges of illegal purchase having been proved against it;

(e)

charges of illegal processing having been proved against it;

(f)

violation of any of the provisions of the Mines and Minerals

(Development and Regulation) Act, 1957;

Termination of

Registration of a

Crusher Unit.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), MARCH 28, 2025

(CHTR 7, 1947 SAKA)

2321

(g)

violation of any of the provisions of the Punjab Minor Mineral

Rules, 2013;

(h)

violation of any of the provisions of this Act, or any direction

issued or any rule made thereunder;

(i)

withdrawal of Consent to Operate by the Punjab Pollution

Control Board; or

(j)

failure to pay, within the time period prescribed, any

Government Dues for which an Assessment Order has been

passed by the Competent Authority, and such Government

Dues have been declared as arrears of land revenue.

(2)

In the event of termination of Registration of a Crusher Unit,

the Crusher Unit shall not be Registered again until after the expiry of a period

of three years from the date of order of Termination of Registration:

Provided that the change of ownership, or any other ground whatsoever,

shall not be a valid ground for early registration of any Crusher Unit whose

Registration has been terminated:

Provided further that in exceptional circumstances, the Government

may reduce the period of three years to not less than one year upon the payment

of such penal fee, as may be prescribed.

(3)

No order of termination of Registration shall be passed without

affording an opportunity of hearing to the Crusher Owner.

(4)

The District Mining Officer, or any other officer authorized

by the Director in this regard, shall seal the Crusher Unit within forty eight

hours of the termination of Registration.

PART-III

10.

No Crusher Unit shall,-

(a)

fail to file, within the prescribed time period, any or all of the

Returns, as may be prescribed;

(b)

sell any derivative for which the proper return has not been

filed;

(c)

sell any derivative at a price higher than the maximum price

Prohibition of

certain

activities.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), MARCH 28, 2025

(CHTR 7, 1947 SAKA)

2322

notified by the Government for such a derivative;

(d)

process minor minerals obtained through illegal mining or

through illegal purchase;

(e)

keep any stock procured through illegal purchase;

(f)

refuse access to the premises of the Crusher Unit for any

random or scheduled inspection by an official of the

Department;

(g)

refuse access to the books of accounts on the basis of which

the prescribed Returns have been filed;

(h)

fail to promptly inform the department about any change in

the ownership of the Crusher Unit;

(i)

fail to promptly inform the Department about any change in

the Crusher Owners of the Crusher Unit;

(j)

fail to promptly inform the Department about any Lease Deed

executed with respect to the Crusher Unit;

(k)

be leased out by any person other than the Crusher Owner;

and/or

(l)

engage in monopolistic practices on its own, or in conjunction

with other Crusher Units.

11.

(1)

All the Crusher Owners shall be jointly and severally liable

for the violation of any of the provisions of this Act.

(2)

Where the Crusher Unit has been leased out, the Lessor and

the Lessee shall both be jointly and severally liable for the violation of any of

the provisions of this Act subsequent to the execution of the Lease Deed:

Provided that where the net worth of the Lessee is more than the

prescribed threshold, the Lessee, and not the Lessor, shall be held liable for the

violation of any of the provisions of this Act subsequent to the execution of the

Lease Deed:

Provided further that where there has been a violation of the provisions

of clause (i) of section 10 of this Act, the Lessor and Lessee shall also be

jointly and severally liable for any violation of any of the provisions of this Act

Liability.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), MARCH 28, 2025

(CHTR 7, 1947 SAKA)

2323

prior to the execution of the Lease Deed.

(3)

In the event of any violation of the provisions of clause (h) of

section 10 of this Act, the previous Crusher Owners and the subsequent Crusher

Owners shall both be jointly and severally liable for violation of any of the

provisions of this Act subsequent to the change of ownership:

Provided that where the previous Crusher Owner has promptly informed

the Department about the change in ownership, he shall not be held liable for

any violation of any of the provisions of this Act subsequent to the change of

ownership.

PART-IV

12.

(1)

It shall be mandatory for every Stockist and Retailer to obtain

a licence for running its operations in such form, as may be prescribed.

(2)

The application for the Licence shall be submitted in such

Form and which shall be considered in such manner as may be prescribed.

(3)

The grant of a Stockist and Retailer Licence shall not grant

an automatic right to commence operations and the Licencee shall be bound to

separately obtain all mandatory permissions and clearances as required under

any other law for the time being in force.

(4)

The Government may, from time to time, notify the fee to be

charged for issuance of a Stockist and Retailer Licence.

(5)

The Government may, from time to time, notify the Annual

Licence Fee to be charged for continuation of a Stockist and Retailer Licence.

(6)

The Government may, from time to time, notify the late fee to

be charged for continuation of a Stockist and Retailer Licence for which the

Annual Licence Fee had not been paid in time.

(7)

Stockist and Retailer Licence shall be non-transferable in case

of Sole Proprietorship and firms.

(8)

The Stockist and Retailer Licence Number (SRLN) shall be

unique. The Stockist and Retailer Licence Number shall remain unchanged

even if there is a change in the ownership of the Stockist and Retailer.

(9)

A new owner of the Stockist and Retailer shall inherit all

Stockist and

Retailer License.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), MARCH 28, 2025

(CHTR 7, 1947 SAKA)

2324

Government Dues payable by such Stockist and Retailer.

(10)

The Department shall endeavour to put in place a seamless

online portal for Licensing of Stockists and Retailers.

(11)

The validity of any Stockist and Retailer Licence shall expire

upon the end of a Calendar Year i.e. on 31st December.

(12)

A period of three months, from the date of coming into force

of this Act, shall be granted to every Stockist and Retailer to bring its operations

in conformity with the provisions of this Act before any penal proceedings

under this Act are initiated against it.

13.

(1)

The grant of a Stockist and Retailer Licence shall be issued

on demand.

(2)

Every legal entity applying for a Stockist and Retailer Licence

shall,–

(a)

possess Permanent Account Number (PAN) issued by the

Income Tax Department;

(b)

possess Goods and Services Tax Identification Number

(GSTIN); and

(c)

fulfill such other criteria, as may be prescribed.

14.

A Stockist and Retailer Licence shall be deemed to have been renewed

upon payment of the Annual Licence Fee and Late Fee, if any.

15.

(1)

The District Mining Officer may suspend a Stockist and

Retailer Licence in such form, as may be prescribed, in case of any proven

violation of any of the provisions of this Act or in case of indulgence in any act

that seeks to promote illegal mining.

(2)

The order of suspension of a Stockist and Retailer Licence

under sub-section (1) shall not remain in force beyond a period of six months.

(3)

Where the Stockist and Retailer Licence has been suspended

for non-payment of Government dues, as assessed by the District Mining Officer,

the Stockist and Retailer Licence shall regain its validity upon payment of such

Government dues and subsequent written orders, as may be prescribed:

Provided that the Stockist and Retailer may appeal within thirty days

Eligibility for

obtaining

Stockist and

Retailer License.

Renewal of

Stockist and

Retailer license.

Suspension of

Stockist and

Retailer License.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), MARCH 28, 2025

(CHTR 7, 1947 SAKA)

2325

against the original Assessment Order by paying fifty percent of the assessed

Government dues and in all such cases the Stockist and Retailer Licence shall

regain its validity until the final decision on the appeal.

(4)

A Stockist and Retailer Licence shall be deemed to be

suspended indefinitely upon expiry of the period of the Licence if the Annual

Licence Fee for the succeeding year has not been paid before the expiry of

the Licence:

Provided that the Licence shall regain its validity upon payment of the

Annual Licence Fee and Late Fee.

16.

(1)

The District Mining Officer may terminate a Stockist and

Retailer Licence in prescribed form in case of any proven violation of any of

the provisions of this Act.

(2)

No order of termination of a Stockist and Retailer Licence

shall be passed without affording an opportunity of hearing.

PART-V

17.

(1)

An appeal shall lie before the Director against every original

order passed under sub-section (6) of Section 3 of this Act, provided that the

appeal has been filed within thirty days of the passing of such an original order.

(2)

No appeal shall lie against any order passed under

sub-section (1) of section 8 of this Act.

(3)

An appeal shall lie before the Director against every original

order passed under sub-section (1) of section 9 of this Act, provided that the

appeal has been filed within thirty days of the passing of such an original order:

Provided that where the original order has been passed by the Director,

the appeal shall lie before the Government:

Provided further that where the original order has been passed for

failure to pay Government dues, the Crusher Owner may, along with the appeal,

opt to deposit fifty percent of the assessed Government dues subject to the

outcome of the appeal, and in all such cases the Registration of the Crusher

Unit shall regain its validity until the final decision on the appeal.

(4)

An appeal against every original order passed under

Power to

terminate a

Stockist and

Retailer License.

Appeal.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), MARCH 28, 2025

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Power to issue

directions.

sub-section (1) of section 16 shall lie before the Director, provided that the appeal

has been filed within thirty days of the passing of such an original order.

18.

(1)

A Review Application shall lie against any order passed under

sub-section (1) of section 8 of this Act before the same authority which had

passed the order.

(2)

A Review Application shall lie against an order passed under

sub-section (1) of section 15 of this Act before the same authority which had

passed the order.

(3)

No Review Application shall lie against any order passed under

any other part of this Act.

19.

(1)

A Revision Application shall lie before the Government against

every order passed under sub-section (1) of section 9 of this Act, provided that

the Revision Application has been filed within thirty days of the passing of

such an order.

(2)

A Revision Application shall lie before the Government against

every order passed by the Director under sub-section (3) of section 17 of this

Act, provided that the Revision Application has been filed within thirty days of

the passing of such an order:

Provided that where the Director has passed the order for failure to

pay Government dues, the Crusher Owner may, along with Revision Application,

opt to deposit hundred percent of the Government dues assessed by the Director

subject to the outcome of the Revision Application, and in all such cases the

Registration of the Crusher Unit shall regain its validity until the final decision

on the Revision Application.

PART-VI

20.

(1)

The Government may, from time to time, notify the maximum

sale price of derivatives by any Crusher Unit.

(2)

The Government may, from time to time, notify the maximum

sale price of sand, gravel and derivatives by any Stockist and Retailer.

21.

(1)

The Government may issue directions, from time to time, in

order to enforce the sale of sand, gravel and derivatives at the notified maximum

sale price.

Review.

Revision.

Power to

regulate prices.

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2327

(2)

Wherever a direction has been issued in sub-section (1), it

shall be mandatory for every Crusher Unit, and Stockist and Retailer to comply

with the same.

(3)

The Director may, with the approval of the Government, issue

suitable directions, from time to time, for the smooth implementation of the

provisions of this Act.

22.

(1)

It shall be mandatory for every Crusher Unit, and Stockist

and Retailer to purchase sand and gravel from a legal mining site. An online

portal, or any other electronic or digital means, for undertaking such transactions

may be prescribed.

(2)

It shall be mandatory for every Stockist and Retailer to

purchase derivatives from a Registered Crusher Unit. An online portal, or any

other electronic or digital means, for undertaking such transactions may be

prescribed.

(3)

An online portal, or any other electronic or digital means, for

accepting orders for sale of sand, gravel and derivatives may be prescribed.

(4)

The Government may direct to deposit, in part or in whole, the

advance payment of royalty as per the provisions of the Punjab Minor Mineral

Rules, 2013, as amended from time to time, or any other amounts due under

this Act, and for this purpose prescribe an online portal, or any other electronic

or digital means, for accepting such amounts.

PART-VII

23.

(1)

An officer, not below the rank of District Mining Officer, shall

have the power to enter the premises of any Crusher Unit or Stockist and

Retailer and seize any documents, which in his opinion are likely to prove, or

assist in proving, any violation of the provisions of this Act and thereafter draw

up a seizure memo in the prescribed form.

(2)

An officer not below the rank of District Mining Officer, shall

have the power to enter the premises of any Crusher Unit or Stockist and

Retailer and seize any illegally procured minor minerals and/or derivatives

lying with such a Crusher Unit or Stockist and Retailer, proven by way of a

summary inquiry, and thereafter dispose it in the open market, either through

Transactions

through online

portal.

Power to seize.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), MARCH 28, 2025

(CHTR 7, 1947 SAKA)

2328

auction or through direct sale at the maximum sale price notified by the

Government for these items, and thereafter draw up a seizure memo in the

prescribed form.

(3)

An officer not below the rank of District Mining Officer, may

seize any minor mineral and/or derivatives being transported in contravention

of the provisions of this Act along with any tool, equipment, Transport Vehicle

and such other things used in the commission of the offence, draw up a Seizure

memo in the prescribed form and thereafter, after giving an opportunity of

hearing, sell these in the open market through open auction and deposit the

proceeds with the Government Treasury:

Provided that any seized minor mineral and/or derivatives may be

directly sold at the maximum sale price notified by the Government for these

items:

Provided further that lack of knowledge of the illegal nature of the

material being transported shall not, in any way, provide any relief or

compensation whatsoever for the owner of any Transport Vehicle being

auctioned or for the purchaser of the minor mineral and/or derivatives being

auctioned.

24.

(1)

The Assessing Authority shall be competent to pass an

Assessment Order in prescribed form, determining the amount of Government

dues that are required to be recovered from any Crusher Unit:

Provided that no such order shall be passed without affording an

opportunity of hearing to the Crusher Owner.

(2)

The assessed Government dues shall be recoverable as arrears

of land revenue, from the Crusher Owner in the manner provided under the

Punjab Land Revenue Act, 1887 (Punjab Act 17 of 1887).

(3)

Any Crusher Owner or Stockist and Retailer, who is in

possession, or had been in possession, of a stock sourced through illegal purchase,

proven by way of discrepancy in Returns or otherwise, shall be liable to pay a

penalty equivalent to twice the amount of royalty as per the provisions of the

Punjab Minor Mineral Rules, 2013, as amended from time to time, on such a

stock, or such amount as may be prescribed.

Recovery.

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(CHTR 7, 1947 SAKA)

2329

(4)

The assessed Government dues shall always remain attached

to the Crusher Unit and shall be inherited by the Crusher Owners irrespective

of the mode of acquisition of the Crusher Unit.

25.

(1)

Whoever furnishes any fake or forged document to the

Department, for deriving any benefit under this Act, shall be punished with

imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months,

or with fine of fifty thousand rupees, or both.

(2)

Whoever furnishes any fake, forged or fabricated Return, that

has the effect of concealing any act of illegal mining or illegal processing or

illegal purchase, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a

term which may extend to six months, or with fine of one lakh rupees, or both.

(3)

Any Crusher Owner, in possession of a stock sourced through

illegal mining, shall be punished under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals

(Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, in such manner as if the illegal mining

had been done by the Crusher Owner.

(4)

The Government may, at its discretion, mandate the installation

of a weighbridge at each registered Crusher Unit, either by the Crusher Units

themselves or through any other means, and may prescribe penalties for non-

compliance therewith.

(5)

The Government may impose restrictions on the use of

generator sets or diesel generator (D.G.) sets within Crusher Units, which

may include a prohibition on their use, a cap on their maximum capacity, or the

implementation of smart meters to monitor their operation, and may prescribe

penalties for non-compliance therewith.

PART-VIII

26.

(1)

The Government may relax any of the provisions of this Act

for reasons to be recorded in writing.

(2)

No relaxation in any provision of this Act shall, in any manner

whatsoever, seek to provide relief for any violation of the provisions of this Act

that has already occurred.

27.

No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the

Department or any official of the Department for anything which is in good

Penalty.

Power to

relax.

Protection of

action taken

in good

faith.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), MARCH 28, 2025

(CHTR 7, 1947 SAKA)

2330

faith done or intended to be done under this Act.

28.

(1)

The Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,

make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act.

(2)

Every rule made under this section shall be laid as soon as

may be, after it is made, before the House of the State Legislature, while it is

in session for a total period of fourteen days, which may be comprised in one

session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the

session in which it is so laid or the successive sessions aforesaid, the House

agrees in making any modification in the rule, or the House agrees that the rule

should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified

form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so however, that any such

modifications or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything

previously done or omitted to be done under that rule.

29.

(1)

The Punjab Crusher Policy, 2023 is hereby repealed.

(2)

Any recovery proceedings under the Punjab Crusher Policy,

2023, existing at the time of coming into force of this Act, shall continue under

the provisions of the said Policy in the same manner as if the said Policy had

not been repealed.

Power to make

rules.

Repeal and

saving.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), MARCH 28, 2025

(CHTR 7, 1947 SAKA)

2331

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

The extraction of minerals is governed by the Mines and Minerals

(Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. However, Crusher Units

and Screening Plants, which process minor minerals such as sand and

gravel, operate in a largely unregulated manner. To ensure their

compliance with environmental and legal norms, it is necessary to

establish clear regulations.

Unregulated operations of Crusher Units and Stockists & Retailers

have led to illegal mining, unauthorized trade, and environmental

degradation. The Act aims to prevent such activities by mandating

registration, licensing, and compliance with prescribed norms.

Crusher Units contribute to air and water pollution, affecting local

communities and ecosystems. To mitigate these adverse effects, the

Act introduces an Environmental Management Fund (EMF), ensuring

that Crusher Units contribute financially towards environmental

sustainability.

The Act provides for mandatory registration of Crusher Units and

licensing of Stockists & Retailers. It establishes a robust framework

for online monitoring to enhance transparency and curb illegal trade.

The Act grants authorities the power to seize illegally mined minerals,

impose penalties, and take punitive action against violators. It also lays

down clear provisions for appeals, review, and revision of decisions to

ensure fairness.

Hence, to achieve all these objectives. A Bill is presented to aforesaid

Act suitably.

BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL,

Minister for Mines and Geology,

Punjab

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), MARCH 28, 2025

(CHTR 7, 1947 SAKA)

2332

3354/3-2025/Pb. Govt. Press, S.A.S. Nagar

CHANDIGARH :

RAM LOK KHATANA,

THE 28^TH MARCH, 2025

SECRETARY.

____________

The Governor has, in pursuance of clause (1) and (3) of Article 207 of

the Constitution of India, recommended to the Punjab Legislative Assembly,

the introduction and consideration of the Bill.

____________

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

This act is aimed at regulating the Crusher units and Stockists &

Retailers in the state of Punjab. There are no financial implications for the

State Government.

____________

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

The Bill proposes the enactment of the Punjab Regulation of Crusher

Units and Stockists & Retailers Act 2025. Section 28 of this proposed Act

empowers the State Government to make rules to carry out the purposes of

this Act. The powers sought are necessary for the proper implementation of

the provisions of this Act and are normal in nature.