Don't approve new mining policy: CPI(M) tells govt

Describing the proposed mining policy, whch allows for export of iron ore, as "shortsighted and harmful," the CPI(M) today asked the government not to approve it as it would rob the country of its resources.

Reacting to the clearance given to the new policy by a group of ministers, the party Politbureau said, "Indiscriminate exports of iron ore and other mineral resources will denude India of its natural resources."

It demanded that the mining policy should "not be approved by the Union Cabinet and be placed before Parliament for further discussion."

The CPI(M) also demanded tabling of the report of the Standing Committee on Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in Parliament for a debate which, it said, could be the basis for bringing about changes in the SEZ Act and Rules.