Subodh Kumar Singh, a 1997-batch IAS officer, Secretary to the Chief Minister and also Secretary, Minerals Resource Department. For Singh, creating a dynamic work culture to enable the results delivered within given time frame is essential.
How the mining department and its activities lived up to the expectation of the state and the people?
State’s rich mineral resources has been the major strength for its overall socio-economic development. Department has given thrust for setting up new mineral-based industries. Nationally acclaimed resettlement and rehabilitation policy has supplemented the development of state through its mineral resources. Three cement and power plants, steel/sponge iron plants are in pipeline. Ample employment been generated and overall growth of the state resulted. The rich minor mineral resources with ` 200 crores annually is strengthening the grass-root government/panchayats and its economic development. The CSR obligations of the mining companies are reviewed closely to ensure need-based development.
How the mining revenue augmented from the mineral resources?
There has been manifold augmentation in revenue collection from mineral resources. The royalty accrual in 2001 of ` 423 crores has increased to ` 3573 crores in 2014-15. State’s long demand of advalorem fixation of royalty on iron ore was acceded by the Centre in 2009-10 resulting in major jump in the royalty accrual.
Do you think the environment and the displacement of people (tribals) are issues with the exploration and exploitation of minerals in Chhattisgarh?
There has not been any major displacement of people or any environmental challenges due to mining projects so far in the state. However, Chhattisgarh’s nationally acclaimed R&R policy have satisfactorily addressed the people affected by mining operation.
With Chhattisgarh rich in minerals, is there illegal mining reported in the state? There have been some reports of illegal transport and mining activities in the past.
No instance of any major or rampant illegal mining been traced or reported. With the mining check-posts, weigh- bridges, flying squads among other monitoring system the state has created enough infrastructure and manpower to curb illegal mining and transportation.
For the first time two MoUs were signed in Bastar in the presence of PM Modi in May this year. How will that expedite socio-economic progress in backward Bastar zone?
An Ultra Mega Steel Plant with capacity of 3+3 MT and investment of ` 18,000 crore has been planned to set-up through Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of the mining giant NMDC and the SAIL with 26% and 74% equity participation respectively in Bastar. Dallirajhara to Rowghat railway line is under construction. An MoU was signed in presence of the PM for development of Rail Line from Rowghat to Jagdalpur by forming a joint venture Company of government of Chhattisgarh, NMDC, IRCON and SAIL. The survey work will start in September 2015. Now Bastar will be connected to Raipur and the nation by rail in next 4 years.
What’s the annual budget of the department?
Annual budget for 2015-16 for the mineral resources department is 6655 million rupees.
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