Centre, states to deliberate on GSI's targets for FY17

Centre and states will meet to chart out the annual programme of Geological Survey of India (GSI) regarding surveys, explorations and training for the next financial year.
A two-day meeting of the Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) meeting is being held in the national capital from February 17 under chairmanship of Mines Secretary Balvinder Kumar said today.
Steel and Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar will grace the meeting as the chief guest, it added.
The meeting will be attended by senior officers from the Mines Ministry, GSI and members from other Central Ministries, State Directorates of Mining and Geology, mining industry, related PSUs and other stake holders.

CGPB is apex body at the national level to overview the programme of geoscientific activities including mineral exploration in the country.
Based on the priorities set by the government and the importance and urgency of proposals presented by the members and stakeholders, the annual programme of GSI on survey, exploration and training is finalised for the next fiscal.

Mines Secretary is the chairman of CGPB. GSI is the nodal department (Member Secretary) and the State Geology and Mining departments and Central Government institutions, permanent and special invitees are its participating members.
CGPB coordinates activities regarding geological mapping, mineral prospecting, exploration and exploitation in the country.

It is responsible for providing the general strategic direction of geosciences activity, identifying new areas and new technologies for geoscientific activities, advising on geosciences partnerships between GSI and State and Central - level agencies among others.