National Level Awards: Odisha gets Rashtriya Khanij Vikas Puraskar
HIGHLIGHTS
- India is One of the Fastest Growing Economies in the World – Home Minister Shri Amit Shah.
- Coal & Mines Sector Contributing Considerably to the Economic Growth.
Delhi: Odisha gets the national level award Rashtriya Khanij Vikas Puraskar with the other five states. Conferring the first-ever national-level award Rashtriya Khanij Vikas Puraskar to the best performing States in mining, and giving away incentives to mineral rich states for auctioning of mineral blocks were some of the highlights of the one- day conclave. Rashtriya Khanij Vikas Puraskar was given away in three different categories. The States of Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujrat and Rajasthan bagged the coveted award for excellence in the mining sector.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah said that with 8.2% growth, India is at present one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and the coal and mines sector of the country is contributing considerably to the present economic growth. Addressing the 6th National Conclave on Mines and Minerals organized as part of AKAM Iconic week celebrations by the Mines ministry here today, Shri Amit Shah said that the reforms undertaken by the present government has resulted in eliminating deep-rooted corruption existed in coal block allotments. He said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has always given utmost priority to ensuring reforms in the mining sector so that it can further contribute to the overall economic growth of the country. These reforms have resulted in noteworthy improvement in coal production domestically and the imports have reduced considerably, the minister said. Mining sector is of paramount importance in generating income to States and multiple employment avenues, the Home Minister added.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi said that the conclave is expected to provide very useful inputs/feedback for further reforms in the mining sector. He said that coal production has increased considerably from 577 Million Ton in 2014 to 817 Million Ton at present and the overall production during this fiscal is likely to cross 920 Million Ton. The aim is to auction as many as 500 mineral blocks by the end of 2024, the Shri Joshi added.
The Minister highlighted the use of drones and other latest technologies to give further fillip to the mining sector. Addressing the function, Minister of State for Coal, Mines & Railways Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve touched upon the achievements of the government during the last eight years. He also highlighted the importance of sustainable mining.
