Union Mining Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has put onus on the State Government to act on the cases of illegal mining cited by the Justice MB Shah Commission in its report. The Minister also mentioned that he had talked about this with the Mining Secretary of Jharkhand.
“The Centre has sent the Shah Commission report to the Jharkhand Government for action. It is up to the Government here to identify those involved and act. I have discussed the matter with the Mines Secretary so that action is expedited,” said Tomar, who was in Ranchi on Saturday on the way to Jamshedpur to inaugurate an ESIC Hospital.
Justice Shah in his exposing report on illegal mining across the country has also mentioned about theft of iron ore excess of Rs14000 crore from Jharkhand alongside Manganese ore of value over Rs138 crore.
The Union Minister termed the scale of the illegal mining as ‘worrying’ and expressed hope after the matters related got cleared from the Supreme Court, grant of lease for new mining cites would gather pace. “I think mining is extremely important for the economic growth of the country but at the same time believe that it should be allowed only after adhering to all norms meant for environmental protection and legal,” added Tomar.
He, at the same time, mentioned the hike of royalty to the State on iron ore which would fetch it additional Rs 400 crore every year but also downplayed the similar demand for other minerals terming it “unnecessary.”
Tomar, who is also holding the portfolio of labour and Employment and Steel Ministries in the Narendra Modi Government, listed a host of measures taken by the new regime for the people of the State. “In the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the Government has started taking quick decisions in transparent and hassle free manner. Seats for apprentice have been raised from 4 lakh to 23 lakh. We have hiked our contribution to treat persons in ESIC hospitals and on renovating the hospitals. Minimum pension under EPFO has fixed as Rs1000,” said he.
Tomar also visited along with Minister of State Vishnu Deo Sai RDCIS in Ranchi where SAIl Chairman CS Verma along with Director Technical SS Mohanty was present. The Minister opined that steel industry was the core industry which reflects the technological status of the country and for a self-reliant India.
He also expressed to raise the per capita consumption of steel, currently hovering around 60, nearer to the average 250 kg. For this he opined that the rural sector niche products must be accentuated and thus the much needed rural infrastructure shall get an impetus.