Naveen to Centre: Address glitches in mineral sectors, revise royalties of coal, non-coal minerals
The CM also raises issue of revision of royalties of coal and non-coal minerals
By A K Sahoo
Bhubaneswar, Dec. 10: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wendensday discussed with Union Minister, Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi and Union Minister, Petroleum, Natural Gas and Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and senior officials over video conference on the issues that have emerged from the recently conducted auction of mines, further mineral reforms and other issues related to Mineral sector in the State.
The CM emphasized on further mineral reforms to ensure uninterrupted supply of ore to industry and safeguarding the employment and State revenues. He said that Odisha has been one of the first state to successfully conduct auction of mineral blocks in accordance with the orders of Supreme Court. However, there have been some glitches in commencement in mining operations leading to disruptions in production and dispatch leading to shortage of minerals for end user industries and price rise, he added.
Mr Patnaik emphasized that such disruptions and uncertainties in production and dispatch are undesirable, especially during these times. He said that shortages of ore and resultant high price has posed a challenge for the Sponge Iron plants, Small and Medium size Steel plants which has affected the revenues of the State and the employment of the people dependent on the sector.
The CM requested the Union Government for an early decision on the issues discussed as the revenues of the State and employment of the people at large are involved.
