JAIPUR: Setting aside the mining department 's reservations, the state cabinet on Monday decided to allocate all types of mines through e-auctions only.While the mining department was resisting e-auctions for minor mineral mines, the finance department wanted competitive bidding for every type of mineral mines as was being done by the Centre.The cabinet, meanwhile, gave relaxation to 657 mines that have already been allotted, saying that the 'letter of intent' for these was issued before the amendment on Monday.These mines were allotted before October 31, 2014, but were pending at various stages of approvals.The cabinet meeting , presided by chief minister Vasundhara Raje , approved amendments in the Rajasthan Mines Policy-2015 and decided to allot mines for a period of 50 years. "Small quarries will be allotted for 30 years and could subsequently be granted extensions of up to 10 years," said Rajendra Rathore, the parliamentary affairs minister who briefed reporters about cabinet decisions. The minister added that mines that have completed more than 30 years or 50 years of operation would now be allowed to continue till March 31, 2025. Earlier, these were to operate till March 31, 2022. "These were to be auctioned after March 2022, but, following the demand from different organisations, the government has granted these mine owners a big relief and extended their mining period," Rathore said.The latest amendments, approved by the cabinet, have a provision to seek the consent of peasants before allowing mining on their land."In tribal areas, one-third of mines of construction stone and 'bajri' (riverbed sand) will be reserved for societies of local tribal people," minister Rathore said.The cabinet also approved the governor's address which is to be delivered at the start of assembly's budget session on February 23. It further decided to constitute Rajasthan Medical College society under the health ministry to run the state's eight new medical colleges. This society will decide the rules for recruiting staff, salaries and perks and fees for students. The newly-established eight medical colleges will begin classes from the coming academic session. The cabinet has approved an increase in aid to couples getting married at mass community marriages.The Rajasthan Agriculture Subordinate Services Rules-1978 will be amended to end 5% quota for Gram Sevaks in promotions to the post of assistant agriculture officer. The 50% posts of assistant agriculture officers will be filled through promotion of agriculture supervisors.

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