Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh on Monday lauded the National Mining Policy, saying it would be of immense help in improving the condition of railways and roadways in the stats besides bringing about a change in the lives of the people living in far off places in Chhattisgarh.
Speaking at the inauguration of the two-day National Mining and Mineral Conclave, Singh also mentioned about the development that is taking place in the state.
"This is a proud moment for all of us that the country's first National Conclave on mines and minerals is being organised in Chhattisgarh. We will use the mineral policy to improve the condition of railways and roadways in the state," Singh said.
"Apart from making optimum usage of mineral resources, we are also concerned about protecting the environment. The new mining policy would help in bringing about a change in the lives of the people, who are living in far off places in Chhattisgarh," he added.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley inaugurated the two-day conclave in the presence of Raman Singh, Union Steel and Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and Minister of State for Steel and Mines Vishnudeo Sai.
The conclave, which is being organized for the first time in Chhattisgarh, is being attended by Union Mining Secretary Balwinder Kumar as well as Mining Secretaries and Directors from all mineral rich states.
Discussions will be held on National Mining Exploration Policy, infrastructure development for atomic minerals, availability of raw materials for iron and steel industries, etc.
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The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister also lauded the 27 tribal students, hailing from Naxal-hit areas, for cracking the prestigious IIT-JEE examination
"27 tribal students, hailing from Naxal-hit areas, have been selected in IIT. This shows that how the government is bringing about changes in the lives of the people," he said.
The 27 tribal students, who hail from families, extremely unaware about the IIT, achieved this coveted feat, courtesy Chhattisgarh Government's 'Prayas Programme' - a special coaching initiative of the state's tribal welfare department.
The Prayas Programme was launched by Chhattisgarh Government in July 2010 under which meritorious students from the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) districts and other tribal areas were kept in tribal hostels in the state capital and were imparted coaching along with the regular studies at the higher secondary level.