New Delhi: Ministry of Steel is hosting a two-day "Conference of Ministers of Mines and Industries from States" at Konark, Odisha, which began on Friday. The conference is being held to provide the mineral-rich states an opportunity to deliberate on matters related to mining leases, environmental clearance of ongoing and new mining projects. Minister of Steel Ram Chandra Prasad Singh inaugurated the conference in the presence of Minister of State for Steel Faggan Singh Kulaste, Minister for Steel & Mines, Odisha Prafulla Kumar Mallik and Minister of Industrial and Investment Promotion of Madhya Pradesh Rajvardhan Singh.
Union Minister reminded the gathering of Prime Minister's vision of creating wealth from waste. On these lines, he mentioned that research to use plastic waste in steel-making is being explored by various companies. Reiterating the importance of effective Rehabilitation and Resettlement, he mentioned that only those companies which can leverage social capital positively and are ready to give back to the local population will be able to gain in the long run. Similarly, India can thrive only if a level-playing field is available for all players in the sector. A policy to encourage the secondary steel players is necessary to give direction to this vision.
Deliberations on the issues pertaining to mining, specific to steel sector, were conducted on the issues put forth by the Central and state governments leading to fruitful discussions which were welcomed by participating delegates.
Highlighting the issues related to mining and steel making, officials from the Ministry of Steel explained the policy support which is being extended by the Central government and detailed the support required from the state governments to facilitate business. Speaking on the occasion, the heads of the PSUs thanked the cooperation of the state governments and mentioned that they looked forward to further the cooperation.
MoS Kulaste welcomed the discussions amongst the delegates during the nearly five-hour-long session wherein relevant inputs were received from all sides and emphasized that the issues which arose from the discussions needed attention and resolution. Expressing satisfaction that PM Narendra Modi's directions on positive engagement with the state governments, more such "sammelan" will be organized by the government.
Senior officials from Central and State governments, Chairpersons of all PSUs under the Ministry of Steel were also present on the inaugural day of the Conference.
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