A new Mines and Minerals Development Regulations (MMDR) bill is on the anvil.The draft of the act has been sent to the Cabinet for approval. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of 46th board meeting of Central Geological Programming Borad (CGPB). Secretary, Ministry of Mines Mrs. Santha Sheela Nair expressed hope that the a new bill will come up for discussions in the forth coming Budget session of Parliament. She also emphasized that vicitims of mining should become the beneficiaries of mining. Speaking on the occassion she said that Geological Survey of India needs to look at mining opportunities available in north – eastern states. She inaugurated an exhibition showcasing the countrywide activities of Geological Survey of India on this occassion.