CM calls for national policy on balanced use of Iron Ore

Kolkata, Sep 18: West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacherjee today called for immediate formulation of a National Policy on balanced use of India's limited Iron Ore reserve and prevention of its random export.

Inaugurating the 119th Annual General Meeting of the century-old Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BNCCI) here the chief minister regretted that in absence of such a policy on the best and balanced use of iron ore reserve in the country some states, despite having limited reserves, were encouraging exports purely for the sake of generating government revenue.

Without naming Jharkhand,Mr Bhattacherjee said it was very unfortunate that in spite of frequent change of government in the state,its policy towards balanced use of the underground reserves did not change.

Quoting from official figures, he said since the country possessed only a limited amount of iron ore reserves which could sustain for about thirty years more, a comprehensive pan India policy must be formulated.

Criticising the random export of iron ore by some states without realising its long term effect, Mr Bhattacharjee felt that if no preventive step was taken to put a ban on iron ore export by India, the boom in Indian steel sector was bound to have a negative effect because of the projected short supply of indigenours raw material.

''Realising the gravity of the situation the Centre must do something to correct the present imbalances,'' Mr Bhattacherjee said.

Speaking about his government's success in the industrial rejuvination programme, the chief minister said after gems and jewellery, food and beavarages, chemical and related industries, the ruling Left Front had decided to set up a modern Textile Park in Howrah district soon.

''We have already acquired the necessary land for this purpose and efforts are on to develop top class infrastructural facilities before inviting prospective players for to set up their units,'' he said.

Referring to his government's decision to accord top priority for promotion of tourism, Mr Bhattacherjee disclosed his plan for opening some of the tea gardens in North Bengal for the promotion of Tea tourism in particular.

This would open a new vista towards attracting a large number of foreign tourists in the state who could also enjoy the glory of Indian tea gardens besides enjoying the beauty of surrounding nature including the Himalayas, the Chief minister said .

Referring to the huge scope of growth in Agro business opportunities, the Chief minister said besides opening five different agro zones the state had developed as many food parks for production of world class mango, lichi, pinneaple and other fruits for exports.

" We are now exploring the possiblities of their top class preservation of these food products and their packaging to open more avenues for export," Mr Bhattacherjee said.

In this connection he also underscored the need for more public- private partnership which would also generate a large number of employment opportunities for both skilled and un-skilled labourers.

The Chief minister, however, regretted the absence of plastic industry in the state along with that of any major manufacturing unit or any medical equipment production facility.

About the scope of growth for plastic industry, Mr Bhattacherjee referring to its huge export potential in the neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bangladeshand even Myanmar, said his government was ready to offer suitalbe land for setting up a separate industrial zone for this purpose either in Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts in North Bengal or in West Midnapore in South Bengal from there they could also access to neighbouring states.

" We are also ready to extend all cooperation for the setting up of any electrical equipment, home and kitchen appliances manufacturing units in West Bengal to enable them to evenly compete with those in Northern and Southern India", the Chief minister said and sought greater cooperation from various Chambers of Commerces including the BNCCI to fulfill his long standing dreams.

Earlier, welcoming the guests outgoing President of BNCCI Nayantara Pal Chowdhury toughed upon some of the problemsbeing faced by a section of members in terms of labour disputesand sought the Chief Minister's personal intervention in redressing their grievances.

UNI