The Centre will bring in stringent laws to stop illegal mining across the country. This is being done keeping in view the country's internal security aspects. <br/><br/>Talking to reporters in New Delhi today, the Mines Minister, Mr. B K Handique said several rounds of consultations had already taken place on the issue of illegal mining. <br/><br/>He said the Centre plans to amend the Mines and Mineral Development Regulations Act, (MMDR) under which states are presently empowered to take action against the illegal mining. He said a draft bill in this regard is likely to be introduced in the winter session of Parliament. He said the bill has also provisions for setting up of special courts to try the cases relating to illegal mining.<br/><br/>Replying to a question, Mr Handique ruled out any further disinvesment in NALCO saying the management and the trade unions are opposed to the move. He said the government had already divested 10 per cent of its stake in the past.<br/><br/>Mr Handique, who is also holding the portifolio of the Department of North Eastern Region (DoNER), gave a detailed account of special projects initiated for the development of the region. They included development of roads and human resource development.