PANAJI
The committee, headed by K Rajeswara Rao, additional secretary with the ministry of mines, will have adequate representation from the ministries of forest & environment & climate change, transport & highways, coal, finance, shipping and from organisations such as Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), Railway Board, Geological Survey of India (GSI) and NITI Aayog along with industry associations like Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry (Assocham) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).
Goa's representation lies in the fact that the committee will have as members mines secretaries from all mineral bearing states. The panel is expected to submit its report by October 31.
The mandate of the committee is to review the present policy - the need for bringing in further transparency, balanced social and economic growth and sustainability of the mining industry. It will suggest recommendations for conservation, mineral development along with protection of the environment and measures to assess the carrying capacity of mining in states or regions.
The committee is also expected to examine and make recommendations for the development of strategic minerals, review fiscal aspects conducive to the promotion of mineral exploration and development, including beneficiation and other forms of refinement.
