Orissa steel makers’ body demands nationalization of minerals
All Odisha Steel Federation (AOSF) has demanded Orissa government to take over control of all the mineral reserves, mines to ensure level playing field for the industries without having access to mining lease.
Mr PL Kandoi president of AOSF at a press conference said “Such a move will not only pave the way for the state to garner its entire revenue needs but also catapult it from one of the poorest state to the first ever tax free state in the country. The people of the state will get relief from taxes and will also feel proud of being citizens of the only tax free state in the whole country.”
He said “The annual raising of iron ore in the state is whopping 45 million tonnes and going by a minimum profit of INR 500 per tonne, just imagine, how much the state can mop up in a single year as its revenue. It will take care of the entire budget of Odisha in a single shot. Similarly profit on chrome ore will also fill up the coffers in addition to profit from other mineral items like bauxite etc to take care further growth.”
Stating that the then Prime Minister late Mrs Indira Gandhi during 1971-73 nationalized coal mines of the country for benefit of the citizens of the country, Mr Kandoi demanded the Mr Naveen Patnaik government to initiate such a move for the larger interests of the people.
He said “Just nationalize these mineral resources under Doctrine of Public Trust or declare administered prices for iron, chrome Ore and other such minerals, at its raising cost plus 100% profit for the holistic growth of the state and people. After all the natural wealth of is for entire state and not for few individuals, who are claiming to be the highest tax payers.”
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