Appeals for restoration of iron-ore export from Karnataka for creating One Lakh new jobs in the mining sector.
The community of long-suffering and distressed mining dependents in Karnataka, represented by the ‘Karnataka Gani Avalambithara Vedike (KGAV)’ lauded Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign and appealed to the government to adopt similar policies for iron-ore mining in the state of Karnataka. KGAV also appealed for removing the restrictions of sale of iron-ore from the state of Karnataka as it will help creating additional 1,00,000 jobs in the mining sector and bringing great relief to the people at a time when there is need for employment generation.
Welcoming Shri BS Yediyurappa, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka recommendation for allowing the sale of 8 million tonnes of iron ore that had been extracted before the Supreme Court ruling on cancellation of the ‘C’ class mining leases, KGAV also requests the state government to expedite the process of seeking clearances from the relevant authorities. The initiative will provide much required impetus to the economy and fight Covid-19. The funds generated can also be used for accelerating relief efforts towards protection of lives and livelihoods for the COVID affected communities across the state.
Mr. Rajakumar S, Spokesperson, Karnataka Gani Avalambithara Vedike (KGAV) said, “At the outset, we would like express my gratitude towards Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Yediyurappa ji for taking a decision in favour of the sale of 8 million tonnes of iron ore. The initiative will have a double benefit, firstly the enhancement of revenue and secondly improve the jobs and livelihoods scenario in the state. We appeal to the authorities to expedite the entire process as livelihood restoration is a key priority for our nation in the present hour and the initiative will be a sigh of relief to unemployed and impoverished mining dependents of Karnataka.”
The Karnataka government, in July 2010, had imposed a blanket ban on exports, which was subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court in 2011. Due to the ban, iron-ore mined from Karnataka cannot be sold outside India. As a result of unfair policy-level restrictions, the livelihoods of lakhs of mining dependents in the state are getting affected because the workers cannot mine beyond a certain limit which has been imposed by the authorities. As per latest,date from Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy Private Limited (CMIE), the unemployment in Karnataka in the month of May’20 was 20.4%.
“The state of Karnataka has good abundant natural resources. In the present scenario, when the entire nation is grappling with economic downturn, implementing the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign initiated by our Hon’ble PM for iron-ore mining policies in the state will help us become Atma Nirbhar and curb down imports.” Mr. Rajakumar S added.