Union Minister Nitin Gadkari: New Mining Policy to Boost Ease of Doing Business
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced on Sunday that the Centre’s new mining policy will revolutionize the industry by providing a more efficient and streamlined process for clearances. Under the proposed policy, all necessary clearances will be issued within three months, allowing the extraction process to begin by the fourth month. Gadkari emphasized that the policy aims to eliminate existing bottlenecks and improve the ease of doing business in the mining sector.
Key Features of the Mining Policy
Gadkari, while addressing the “India@100: Charting Vidarbha’s Journey to a Developed India” event in Nagpur, highlighted several critical aspects of the new mining policy. He stated that the central government is actively working on a framework to facilitate faster approvals and smoother operations in the mining industry.
Fast-Tracking Clearances for Mining Projects
The Minister explained that under the new policy, all essential clearances, including environmental clearances, will be granted within a set timeframe of three months. This will expedite the entire process, allowing mining operations to start by the fourth month after the necessary approvals are secured.
Gadkari noted that the policy, which had recently been presented for cabinet approval, faced some challenges. Initially, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not fully convinced about the proposal, prompting a review. Gadkari offered suggestions to ensure that the policy would facilitate quicker project implementation. As a result, the Prime Minister directed the Cabinet Secretary to discuss and refine the policy with Gadkari.
Environmental and Government Clearances in Record Time
One of Gadkari’s significant contributions to the policy was recommending a one-month cap for environmental clearances. He further suggested that all state and central government clearances should be completed within three months, allowing production to begin shortly thereafter. This move, according to Gadkari, will not only help speed up the process but will also boost the business environment for mining projects across India.
Gadkari’s Vision for Vidarbha’s Development
Gadkari also spoke about ongoing developments in the Gadchiroli district of Vidarbha, particularly in the mining and steel sectors. He shared that the central government’s initiatives would create new job opportunities, contributing to the region’s overall economic growth.
Empowering Local Communities through Production
The Minister referenced historical figures Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru to emphasize the importance of production-driven employment. “Nehruji used to say that we need maximum production, and Gandhiji used to say that we need maximum production with the involvement of maximum number of people,” Gadkari said. This philosophy, he noted, will guide the policies aimed at creating jobs and improving the livelihoods of people in Vidarbha and beyond.
Conclusion
Nitin Gadkari’s comments underscore the government’s commitment to improving the business climate in the mining sector through regulatory reforms. By removing bureaucratic delays and ensuring faster clearances, the new policy aims to accelerate industrial growth, especially in resource-rich regions like Vidarbha. With the focus on employment generation and sustainable production, the policy could pave the way for a more robust mining industry in India.
