In an effort to ensure inclusive growth in mineral bearing areas of the state, Odisha Mineral Bearing Area Development Corporation (OMBADC) has commenced its operations for development of eight tribal dominated districts in the first phase.
The corporation held its first Board of Directors meeting here last night under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Gokul Chandra Pati and discussed the proposed action plan worth Rs 818 crore for developmental activities in the mineral bearing areas.
"Pati has suggested the corporation to focus on field level execution of the action plan through close monitoring and involvement of the community.
"The Corporation has also been told to ensure inter-departmental coordination and convergence with ongoing programmes of the state," an official at the Chief Secretary's office said.
The corporation, according to its mandate, will undertake area development and tribal welfare works for ensuring inclusive growth and environmental upgradation in mineral bearing areas of the state.
The objective outlines of the corporation include improved infrastructure, facilitating livelihood enhancement, income enhancement of the tribal and vulnerable households, boosting human development index, environmental sustainability and reduction of income disparity.
The Corporation will draw its funds from additional Net Present value (NPV) realised from mining leases, they said.
While it was decided that about 50 per cent of such NPV would be utilised through the Corporation for the development of the mineral bearing areas, the state government has provided Rs 1 lakh as token share capital.
