Mineral rich states to continue 'fight for right'
The mineral-rich states would continue their "fight for right" within the frame work of the Constitution till their views are incorporated in the central mineral policy, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said on Wednesday.
By PTI |
BHUBANESWAR: The mineral-rich states would continue their "fight for right" within the frame work of the Constitution till their views are incorporated in the central mineral policy, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said on Wednesday.
Replying to a query on whether the situation was leading to a confrontation between mineral-rich states and the Centre over the mineral policy, Patnaik said in a federal structure all the states have the right to fight for their rights.
"Since we (five states) feel that our interests are hampered, we have raised our voice," he told reporters here after his return from his three-day visit to New Delhi.
He said chief ministers of Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Chhatisgarh and himself met Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil who headed the group of ministers on the mineral policy.
"Patil noted all the points raised by the CMs. We have also jointly submitted a memorandum to PM Manmohan Singh urging him to allow the mineral bearing states to have their say in the mineral policy before it is tabled before the cabinet and Parliament," Patnaik said adding the response is being awaited.
The five chief ministers demanded value addition to the mineral reserve in their states and gradual phasing out of export of iron ore to be included in the new mineral policy.
"While value addition will facilitate the investors to set up their plants in the respective states, it would open up employment opportunities," he said.
Replying to a query on whether the situation was leading to a confrontation between mineral-rich states and the Centre over the mineral policy, Patnaik said in a federal structure all the states have the right to fight for their rights.
"Since we (five states) feel that our interests are hampered, we have raised our voice," he told reporters here after his return from his three-day visit to New Delhi.
He said chief ministers of Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Chhatisgarh and himself met Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil who headed the group of ministers on the mineral policy.
"Patil noted all the points raised by the CMs. We have also jointly submitted a memorandum to PM Manmohan Singh urging him to allow the mineral bearing states to have their say in the mineral policy before it is tabled before the cabinet and Parliament," Patnaik said adding the response is being awaited.
The five chief ministers demanded value addition to the mineral reserve in their states and gradual phasing out of export of iron ore to be included in the new mineral policy.
ADVERTISEMENT
"While value addition will facilitate the investors to set up their plants in the respective states, it would open up employment opportunities," he said.
Start a SIP with as low as ₹500 with ET Money App!
Download
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
