Granite industry needs a uniform policy, says trade body

Granite industry in the country has been "suffering" due to "absence" of a uniform national policy, the Federation of Indian Graniteand Stone Industry (FIGSI) said today.
Shortage of raw materials dueto "non-grant of fresh leases and non-renewal of existingleases" affected its growth, the trade body said.
"Stone products come under Minor Mineral Concessions Rules, the powers rest with the respective stategovernments. Since each state is handling it in its ownway, we are not getting a uniform policy for this industry,that's why industry is suffering," FIGSI President R Shekar told reporters here.
"Some states provide for a five-yearlease, whereas a few others offer 10 and even up to 20years. In a few states there have been no renewals at all," he said adding "in Karnataka alone about 4,000 applications arepending since last 15 years."

However, Shekar noted that there would be a uniform policy once the Granite Development Council, reconstituted by the Union Mines Secretary submit its report in about three months.
"Once it is submitted, Ithink there will be uniform policy," he added.

Shekar said there are close to one lakh leases available across the country, but due to various reasons about 60 per cent of them are operational.
Meanwhile, FIGSI will hold its international stone exhibition 'STONA 2016' here from February 3.
According to FIGSI, the export value of stone trade is USD 2billion and accounts for 2 per cent of the world trade and the domestic industry is also almost of the same size.

It also observed that India exports products to over 90 countries while it imports from other countries for only process and re-export.
Shekar also suggested that importing the raw materials from Scandinavian countries or South Africa would be cheaper compared to procuring them from Rajasthan or Odisha.
Further, he appealed to the Central government to permit them to import raw materials under OGL (Open General License).
Responding to a question on exports, he said: "A global recession is underway and economic conditions are not favorable for the industry, which is facing shortage of raw materials.
The trade body added that about 15 lakh people are employed in the quarryingoperations in the country and the situation has also affected creation of jobs in the sector.