Orissa pitches for ad-valorem mineral royalty

Kolkata, Jul 17 (UNI) Orissa today called for ad-valorem mineral royalty instead of fixed mineral royalty policy now.

Briefing newspersons after his observations on the draft approach paper of Planning Commission on the 11th five year plan, state Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said the state was losing around Rs 150 crore because of the fixed mineral royalty policy.

The state had also pitched for inclusion of 30 districts under the backward areas list from 19 districts at present, Mr Patnaik said.

He said the state needed more investments in irrigation, agriculture and backward districts.

He said the state was stressing on public-private-participation model for sectors like steel, aluminium and power.

" Industries, which utilise our mines, should set up plants in the state, " he said adding the state has the best rehabilitation package for the displaced persons owing to industrialisation.

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