The Rural Development Minister, who visited various panchayats to review the implementation of the development plan, told reporters that his personal opinion was that iron ore mines in the Asia's largest 'Sal' forest should not be allocated to the private sector.
Refuting allegation that government mining policy was aimed to encourage private players, Ramesh said Maoists were spreading such allegations to hamper development work.
Ramesh, however, expressed dissatisfaction over the tardy pace of development work in the area, which remained affected by Naxal activities before it was freed from their clutches last year.
He admitted that the timeframe set for the implementation of various projects was also insufficient.Insufficient
"I will meet Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda tomorrow in Ranchi and discuss the issue to give impetus to the development plan," Ramesh said, adding that Sarananda's development was his dream.
Earlier, addressing the villagers at Dumlai, Ramesh regretted that the villagers were deprived of basic amenities including electricity, road, education, etc even after 65 years of Independence.
"I do not wish to blame anyone for it. I believe we must leave the past behind and think about the future," he said, referring to the development of the backward areas in Saranda.