Change marble import policy, says RSS body to Commerce Minister

An RSS body has raised strong objection to the existing policy of marble imports, saying it is giving rise to corruption, blackmoney and money laundering and demanded adequate changes to promote domestic industry.

Swadeshi Jagran Manch has in a letter to Commerce minister Nirmala Sitharaman pointed out the "anomolies" in the existing policy of import of finished and raw marble.

The RSS affiliate has asked the government to impose restrictions on import of finished marbles and for putting the import of raw marbles under the Open General License (OGL) regime.

"The present import licence policy of the government for the rough marble blocks and MIP policy for the import of finished marble is leading to corruption, creation of black money and money laundering," said Ashwani Mahajan National Co-Convenor.

In the letter, he said that there is a need to curb the import of finished marble as it involves huge outflow of foreign exchange, whereas there is sufficient capacity in India to process rough marble.

"At present when the government is contemplating a change in the import policy for rough marble blocks, it gives us an opportunity to bring rough marble under open general license (OGL) policy...And impose effective curb on import of finished marble, giving an opportunity to domestic marble processing industry to cater to domestic and International market," Mahajan said in the letter.

Referring to the recommendation of the working group on Mineral Exploration and Development for 12th Five year plan, he said that there is huge potential to earn substantial export revenue, if import of marble blocks is allowed under Open General License (OGL).

Alleging that several of licence awardees have illegally sold the licences in black, he also demanded that there should be an investigation in the matter.

"I urge you to kindly look into this matter and impose effective restrictions on the import of finished marble and make suitable changes in the present import policy for rough marble, facilitating the domestic marble processing industry to enhance their production, and capture international markets," he added.