Stone mining to be carried out after formation of company

Bhopal, July 24 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Mineral Resources Minister Lakshmikant Sharma today told the Assembly that mining would be carried out in stone mines in Shivpuri district after formation of a company in the joint sector.

Replying to supplementary questions during the Question Hour, Mr Sharma said tenders would be invited at national level for the formation of the company.

At present, the concerned land had been handed over to the State Mineral Development Corporation. The new company would be formed jointly by the corporation and a private partner.

The minister informed that several irregularities took place when mining was carried out in Shivpuri earlier. People obtained leases on the name of tribals but mining was carried out by someone else.

He admitted that the Centre had granted permission for mining in July 2005 but some formalities were being completed in view of the Supreme Court order.

Mr K P Singh (Cong), a resident of Shivpuri, questioned the government's intention saying it did not want to give the area for mining.

He said that the government wanted to provide leases to a few people only.

Later, Congress members staged a walkout over the issue.

UNI