First people's interest then deal with Mittal group: Koda

Ranchi, Jul 07 (UNI) The Jharkhand government today made it clear that it will not bow to any pressure tactics while taking the final decision regarding the proposed 20-lakh-tonne steel plant, to be set up by Steel Major Laxmi Niwas Mittal in the state.

State mines and Geology Minister Madhu Koda told UNI here that the government would keep in mind the interest of the people first while striking deal with the group.

The minister's attention was drawn to Mr Mittal's announcement regarding another steel plant in Orissa and was asked if it was a pressure tactic by the steel major, Mr Koda said, " we will not work according to his diktat." The group has not yet applied for mining lease, Mr Koda said adding the government was not opposed to the project, but definitely was not appreciating the 'pressure game' being sought to be put on the state government.

When asked what if the Mittal group cancels its plan in Jharkhand, the minister said there was no such talk at present and even if they did take one uniliterally " we won't care." " We will invite ten small companies to our state," he said.

The Mittal group was understood to have stuck to its choice over three controversial mines in Chiria and referring to those, Mr Koda said even for that they had not applied formally which was a must.

The group had signed an MoU with the government for the plant, the first in the country at an estimated cost of Rs 40,000 crore.

UNI PRS KK AB 1841