Tomar lays out plans for developing steel, mines sectors in Northeast

Union Minister of Steel and Mines Narendra Singh Tomar met Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and discussed with him issues regarding developments in the steel and mines sectors in the north east states, including his own.

The meeting was held in Guwahati in the presence of senior officials.

Tomar gave details of the MMDR Act 2015 and explained how it will usher in greater transparency and a better ease of doing business. He also provided a mechanism in the form of a District Mineral Foundation (DMF) for the provision of funds for development of areas affected by mining.

He further informed about the setting up of a National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) for giving due emphasis to exploration.

Actions taken for the implementation of the Act also came up for discussion during the meeting

Tomar announced the setting up of a stocking facility at Silchar for SAIL products after the meeting, which will improve supply of steel to Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and the southern districts of Assam.

Meanwhile, to give further impetus to mineral exploration in Assam, Chief Minister Gogoi agreed to the formation of a committee under the chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary of Mines, Assam, which will comprise officials from the Geological Survey of India and the Government of India. The committee will work to expedite and intensify exploration activities in Assam.

Gogoi expressed his gratitude to Tomar for this initiative and highlighted the thrust areas for the state government.

The Union Minister will visit Meghalaya today and hold a meeting with Chief Minister Mukul Sangma in Shillong.