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| Action Aid accuses govt of aiding Vedanta |
| Press Trust of India / New Delhi Feb 18, 2010, 21:49 IST |
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The international NGO Action Aid today criticised the government for not acting against Vedanta Resources for the alleged human rights violations, a charge the London-based mining major strongly denies.
"Companies from across the world are withdrawing their stakes from Vedanta. But the Indian government is not listening to the voices of 8,000 Kond tribals in Orissa," Action Aid Office Bearer Parvinder Singh told reporters here.
The NGO alleged that there has been widespread human rights violation by the Vedanta project in the Niyamgiri ranges in Kalahandi district of Orissa and urged the Central government to take action against the mining major.
When contacted, Vedanta Aluminium Chief Operating Officer Mukesh Kumar told PTI that allegations are unfounded and the company is making investments, keeping in mind the welfare of the backward people.
"Vedanta is coming up with enormous investments in Kalahandi with highly-focused socioeconomic programmes for the uplift of the the underpriviledged people of the region, including the Dongria Kondh tribals," Kumar said.
He also said once the mining projects is commissioned, Vedanta would invest over Rs 600 crore for the socioeconomic development of the region in five years.
Lashing out at the NGO, he said: "It is very surprising how these NGOs are challenging the highest judiciary, the country's robust regulatory system, and sovereignty and the integrity of the government of India."
Earlier today, the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust said along with two other investors, it has sold 2.2 million pound worth of shares in Vedanta, citing human rights and environment issues.
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