Mr. Tomar proposes constituting a Task Force to explore mining and steel avenues in the state
New Delhi (GR-TYP-BIN): Union Minister of Steel & Mines Mr. Narendra Singh Tomar was visited by Chief Minister of Telangana, Mr. K Chandrashekar Rao, and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour & Employment Mr. Bandaru Dattatreya, in his office at Udyog Bhawan on February 6.
The meeting revolved around exploring investment and industry potential in and around the Bayyaram mines, located in Khammam district of Telangana. Assuring the political leaders of his total support in this regard, Mr. Tomar said, “Whatever can be done, will be done for the people and state of Telangana.”
Hinting at insurgency in said parts of Telangana, the CM solicited support of the central government in establishing a steel industry in affected regions. Mr. Rakesh Singh apprised the meeting of a feasibility study already conducted by Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) on the given subject. Different mechanisms and permutations were discussed to evolve a plan wherein a major industry, whether in mining, steel-making, pellet-making, or a combination of all, could be operationalized efficiently. ‘State and Central governments must step in with sops to guarantee commercial viability of the project,’ added Mr. Singh. He averred that the target of achieving 300 million tonne steel production by 2025 gives enough elbowroom to set up green-field capacities. He also suggested that a Special Purpose Vehicle could be initiated for this project, on the lines of those already established in the states of Jharkhand, Karnataka, Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
Telangana CM expressed eagerness to facilitate such an investment by providing captive mines, discounted land and connectivity with ports. Other matters, such as return on investment, technology of production, basis for shareholding etc. were also deliberated in detail. It was decided a Task Force comprising central, state and PSU representatives, will conduct an in-depth study of existing alternatives in a time-bound manner, based on which a decision will be taken.
Emphasising the need to revive mining sector, Mr. Tomar urged Telangana Chief Minister to identify mines for auction at the earliest possible time. ‘We are framing rules and procedure with regard to auction, and preparing necessary documents to kick-start auctioning of mines,’ informed the Minister. ‘States are exhorted to involve PSUs involved in mining work, to help build a robust mineral inventory database,’ he added.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Mr. Rakesh Singh, Chief Secretary of Telangana Mr. Rajiv Sharma, senior politicians and bureaucrats of Telangana and officials from Ministry of Steel and associated PSUs.
(Courtesy: PIB)