BANGALORE: Stating that uniform mining regulations across the country are the need of the hour, Secretary, Union Ministry of Mines, Vishwapati Trivedi on Wednesday invited stakeholders to come out with their comments and suggestions on the New Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill, 2011, which is currently being reviewed by the Standing Committee of the Parliament.
He was speaking at STONA 2012, a four-day exhibition organised by All India Granites and Stone Association and sponsored by the Government of Karnataka.
“We are focusing on ensuring a more transparent process for lease allocation in the new bill, we have taken away the discretion factor in allotment of leases,” said Trivedi adding that the introduction of competition will solve more than 50 pc of problems in the mining industry. He, however advocated a connection with the Environment and Forest Departments and said, “The new Act brings in through legislation, an environmentally friendly and sustainable plan.”
‘will takeover china in export’
Delivering the inaugural address, J B Surana, President of the All India Granites and Stone Association expressed confidence of overtaking China in exports with the help of liberal policies of the government. “Chinese companies have the advantage of liberal government policies and are able to lead the market,” he said. China imported Granite from various sources and reexported them while India has banned the import of Granite, he noted.
Putting forward a list of demands, Surana urged the government to implement the General Development Control Regulations (GDCR) 1999 in all states which according to him would liberalise quarry leasing policies and called for the removal of the country’s restrictive import policies.
“Please make mining industry rules flexible so that the industry is not affected,” said Surana adding that the industry would not be able to develop further if immediate steps were not taken. He called for a national policy to be implemented uniformly across all states. “We can assure you of a 8000 to 10000 crore export turnover if you make policies industry friendly,” he said.
Nirani promises all assistance
Reacting to appeals from the industry for liberalisation of mining polices in the state, Minister for Small and Medium Industries Murugesh Nirani promised to extend all assistance for the growth of the stone industry in the State.
“I will put a word across to the KSPCB chairman and there should not be any problem in the future days,“ he said about the issue of pollution resulting from disposal of waste and slurry.
He also promised that the State would allot 500-600 acres for a Global Stone Technical Park if interest was shown in the project.
“I am ready to start, support and provide concession for the initiative,” he said adding that the state is focused on creating good infrastructure in 133 Industrial areas across the state.