Does India’s Draft Mineral Policy Recognize and Implement Public Trust over Mineral Resources and Intergenerational Equity?

In 2018, the Indian government produced a draft mineral policy for non-fuel minerals (DMP). By analysing some interesting features of the policy concerning the grant of mining rights, the use of mineral receipts and the participation of local communities in land use decision making, this piece evaluates (i) how well the policy recognizes constitutional principles of public trust over mineral resources, intergenerational equity and sustainable development, (ii) the policy’s lack of practical mechanisms for substantively implementing those principles, and (iii) suggests practical implementation mechanisms within the policy for advancing public trust and intergenerational equity