Karnataka CM takes up mining, highway issues with Centre

New Delhi, Aug 8 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today urged the Centre to take up the Rs 4,500 highway project with the World Bank and opposed the proposed changes in the National Mineral Policy as these were ''oriented towards favouring private mining enterprise.'' Mr Kumaraswamy submitted separate letters to Finance Minister P Chidambaram on the highway and to Home Minister Shivraj Patil on the mining policy.

In a one-page letter, the Chief Minister urged Mr Chidambaram to keep his word on approving the Karnataka State Highways Improvement Project II (HSHIP-II) and recommending it to the World Bank for sanctioning of loan.

Mr Kumaraswamy handed over a seven-page letter to Mr Patil, opposing the proposals of the high level committee set up by the Planning Commission to review the mineral policy.

The proposals did not adequately recognise the importance of value addition, both for revenue mobilisation and employment generation within the country, he said.

In all, the Chief Minister raised six objections, describing the proposed changes as an attempt to severely limit and curtail the power of the state government.

He regretted that there was no proposal to put a limit on exports of critical minerals which would be required for the country's economic development.

Further, the proposals would undermine the role of state and central PSUs and encourage making a ''quick buck'' by select few as against looking at long term national interests.

''I would, therefore, like to urge upon you to kindly consider the above suggestions carefully and keep the national interest foremost in mind before taking any further action regarding amendment of the Act and National Mineral Policy,'' he said.

UNI