Mineral Regulation Bill on cards: Moily

Proposal to nationalise mines to check ''monopoly''

Speaking to mediapersons here on Sunday, the Union minister said the proposed Bill would impose restrictions on export of ores by a “single person.”

“The Chinese government has conserved its natural resources by importing them from India. It is being contemplated implement similar measures in India too,” the minister said. Moily added that a legal framework would be provided for utilisation of the indigenous mineral resources for the industrial advancement of the nation. The Bill would also check “monopoly” over national resource and instead ensure its equitable distribution.

Land acquisition

Referring to the investments promised in the recently concluded Global Investors Meet, Moily said while the promised investments would propel industrial development in the State, the government should also weigh the fall out on agriculture as well. The state government has been directed to follow land acquisition regulations applicable to Special Economic Zones. A law has been enacted providing for allotting only 10 per cent of the farm land for industrial purposes. The State should permit setting up industries under central regulations.

Moily, however, said the State Government should provide infrastructure for industries at the earliest failing which it would be virtually impossible to ensure industrial development.

Neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have created conducive investment environment by providing road, water and other necessary infrastructure. The Karnataka government too should emulate the model, he suggested.

Note of caution

Sounding a caution note, Moily said land mafia would exploit the opportunity and thus throw a spanner in allotment of land for industries at fair prices. The government should factor in the interest of farmers while acquiring land. Focus should be more on proliferation of industries in barren areas. Prior consent of the farmers should be obtained before acquiring lands and Land Acquisition Act should be scrupulously adhered to. He suggested the government to conduct environment impact assessment too and see that permission was not granted to any polluting industries.

Gandhian principles

Moily also took part in the concluding day “Gandhi Nadige,” a 2-day workshop on personality development for Congress workers.

Speaking on the occasion, Moily said the objective of the camp was to usher in social reform through character building at the individual level. He called upon party workers to imbibe Gandhian principles.

 “The ultimate aim is to drive the message to public that Congress stands for people,” he said. The party cadres, through the workshop, should be able to forge bond with the leaders and the public at large, and conceive strategies and launch struggles to achieve just goals, Moily said.

Public grievances

Moily also received petitions from the public on their grievances at his office in the City. People from several parts of the taluk, particularly villagers, conveyed their problems to the Minister. Majority of the petitions sought providing school building, drinking water, clearing encroachment and other issues.

Former Taluk Panchayat president Subbarayappa and others alleged that the Deputy Commissioner had been causing inordinate delay in allotting a site for construction of the high school in Angarekhanahalli village of the taluk. They pointed out that Minister had earlier directed to identify the location and the DC is yet to act on former’s direction. Moily promised to give suitable instructions to the DC over phone.

Bagepalli legislator N Sampangi, District Congress Committee president M Anjinappa and others were present.