CPI(M) opposes NMP, demands ban on export of iron ore

Bhubaneswar, Apr 5 (UNI) The Orissa CPI(M) today demanded imposition of a ban on the export of minerals to foreign countries from the state and sale of iron ore to industrial units at the market rate.

CPI(M) state party committee secretary Janardan Pati told newsperson here that the party had already opposed the National Mineral Policy, formulated by the Union government.

Mr Pati said multi-national companies would have the ownership of the mines and ''our country and the state'' would be ruined if the policy was implemented.

He described the ruling BJD-BJP alliance government's opposition to the NMR as nothing but a farce.

He said while the rate of a ton of iron was more than Rs 5000 and in the international market, the state government was selling iron ore to big multinational companies at the rate of Rs 25 per ton.

Mr Pati said his party demanded to ban the export of minerals and sale of iron ore to industrial units at the market rate.

The CPI(M) leader urged the Union government not to accept some of the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission.

Mr Pati demanded not to accept the the Pay Commission's recommendation to abolish the Group '' D'' posts, privatisation of Defence production and Railways.

If accepted around 12 lakh employees would lose their jobs, he said.

The CPI(M), he said, also demanded the Union government to bear the additional 50 per cent expenses the state government would incur for the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission report.

UNI BD-DP SJC DB1937