Secretary V L Kantha Rao has called for joint efforts between the Centre and state governments to modernize the minor mineral sector. At a workshop on granite and marble mining in Bengaluru, Rao highlighted the initiatives and reforms implemented by the Centre in the mining sector. He has urged state governments to adopt similar reforms in the minor mineral sector. Rao mentioned that the Centre has made comprehensive data and exploration information available through the National Geo-Data Repository portal, with the aim of providing access to data for all stakeholders. This initiative, supported by data from central agencies, aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in the mining sector.
Shalini Rajneesh, the Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner of Karnataka, stressed the importance of cooperation between the government and industry to address administrative, technological, and other issues in the granite and marble mining sector. She emphasized the need for any economic activity, including mining, to be sustainable. Furthermore, she welcomed innovative ideas and contributions from startups to effectively tackle the sector’s challenges, and highlighted the use of IT platforms to manage crucial aspects of the mining sector, ensuring transparency and reducing grievances.