SHILLONG: The Union Ministry of Mines has enunciated the National Mineral Policy 2008, which seeks to develop a sustainable framework for optimum utilization of the country’s natural mineral resources for the industrial growth in the country, and at the same time improving the life of people living in the mining areas, which are generally located in the backward and tribal regions of the country. Disclosing this to the media, the Mineral Policy also enunciated that special care would be taken to protect the interest of host and indigenous (tribal) populations through developing models of stakeholder’s interest based on international best practice. The provisions of the applicable Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy will be followed for the purpose. The Relief and Rehabilitation measures will be treated as integral to conditions of grant of the lease, and since leases are granted by the State Government, violations are also dealt by the State Government.