Odisha yet to have own Mineral Policy

Odisha Channel Bureau Bhubaneswar, July 28: National Mineral Policy 1993 and 2008 emphasised the role of State Governments in mineral development, survey and exploration, maintaining inventory of mineral resources, strategy on mineral development, research and development, etc.But Odisha is yet to formulate its own mineral policy, according to a report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India that was tabled in the State Assembly on Monday.“Audit scrutiny of records relating to formulation of State Mineral Policy revealed that a committee for formulation and finalisation of the said policy prepared draft State Mineral Policy in 2005 and was further modified in 2007 and 2010.“Even after a lapse of seven years, the State Mineral Policy is yet to be finalized,” the CAG said its report on revenue sector for the year ended March 2013.“The Government, in reply, stated that a high power committee had been formed in February 2011 to look into the matter.” “However, the fact remained that a State specific Mineral Policy could have further helped in framing a long term strategy for conservation and development of minerals and boosting investors’ confidence in mining sector,” the CAG said in its report.