HYDERABAD: Stating that Maoist violence will come in the way of development, vice president M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday advised Maoists to shun violence, join the mainstream and contest elections, if they seek to implement their ideology.
Speaking as the chief guest at the diamond jubilee celebrations of Nation Mineral Development Corporation in Hyderabad, Venkaiah Naidu said NMDC has managed to create a pool of opportunities and mainstream tribal and backward classes despite the influence of Maoists in Chhattisgarh, through its iron ore, steel projects in the region, he said.
On the same note he added, “Despite being the vice president, I would like to make it very clear that Maoist violence will only come in the way of development. NMDC has been mainstreaming people in regions of Bastar and others in the state by opening up mining projects since 1967. But Maoist violence has led to a loss of innocent lives.” He appealed to the groups to join hands for development. “Leave the bullet and join the ballot. Power doesn’t come with the bullet,” he said.
It is an appeal to all the people talking about the arms struggle, to acknowledge the transformation of Bastar that has taken place in spite of all the threats, he further said. Elaborating on the achievemnets of NMDC, Venkaiah Naidu said the primary objective of setting up a public sector undertaking was to create opportunities for people, reduce regional imbalances and also to build a sustainable industrial base in the country. Though a number of PSUs have failed, the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) has been fairly successful, he said.
Not all PSUs have been successful and those need to reflect on the reasons and borrow lessons from NMDC, he said. “I am of the firm opinion that the business of the government and PSUs is not to do business. They have to create infrastructure in telecom, irrigation, road transport. But some of them have gone on to invest in hotel and scooter businesses and these are mistakes we made,” said Naidu. They should instead focus on providing opportunities for people, he added.
Addressing the NMDC employees who came from other parts of the country, he said they should explore Hyderabad which is currently the most happening city in the country. Also, after the division of the Telugu states, there was a proposal to set up two steel plants — one in Bayyaram in Andhra Pradesh and another in Kadapa in Telangana. “Studying the places has revealed that it might not be feasible and hence a task force was set up for further consultations which should be giving us a report in the next 10 to 15 days. I will remind the government to look into what best can be done in these regions,” he stressed.
On NMDC’s 60th year, Naidu released a postal stamp, and a dashboard on the Ministry of Steel’s website which will have real time information. Specifically lauding NMDC, he said that having made a profit of Rs 4293 crore before tax in 2017, it has emerged as the top profit making PSU in the country. The PSU has also signed MoUs with Midhani and DMRL to explore investment opportunities and this is a good move, he said. “Though India is a mineral rich country, the mining industry contributes only 2.2 to 2.3 per cent to the country’s GDP. This is far below its potential and it has to be further explored and tapped. This will have a multiplier effect as can help create employment,” he pointed out. As the nation is moving towards a stronger online economy, the people also need to engage with the government for accountability, he said.
On NMDC’s 60th year
Naidu released a postal stamp, and a dashboard on the Ministry of Steel’s website. Specifically lauding NMDC, he said that having made a profit of `4293 crore before tax in 2017, it has emerged as the top profit making PSU in the country
Hyderabad like an 18-year-old, take care of her: Naidu to KTR
KTR, if a girl turns 18, everyone looks at her and she has to be careful. Hyderabad is now internationally famous and you have to be extra careful. You have to be dutiful to make it more beautiful
KTR has a vision for this city. Both the past government and the current government have worked to make it a charming city. Now that it has gained international reputation, there is a responsibility to address any loopholes Venkaiah Naidu, vice-president