Congress Questions Central Steel and Heavy Industry Minister’s Visit to Chhattisgarh: What is the Government’s Stand on Nagrnar Divestment?
Why is Chhattisgarh Facing Discrimination in Mining and Industry?
When Will NMDC’s Headquarters, Generating 80% of Its Revenue from Chhattisgarh, Be Shifted from Hyderabad to Raipur?
When Will the Manipulation in Royalties End? When Will the Calculation of Extracted Minerals’ Volume, Quality, and Royalties Become Transparent?
Raipur >> As the Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy, embarks on a two-day visit to Chhattisgarh, the Pradesh Congress Committee has raised several questions regarding the central government’s stance on vital issues concerning the state. Pradesh Congress President Deepak Baij has demanded clarity on the government’s position on the divestment of NMDC’s Nagarnar plant, the discrimination faced by Chhattisgarh in mining and industry, and the pending transfer of NMDC’s headquarters from Hyderabad to Raipur.
Nagrnar Plant Divestment: BJP Government’s Stand Questioned
Baij raised concerns about the central government’s commitment to the promises made during the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. The Prime Minister had assured the people of Chhattisgarh, especially those in Bastar, that NMDC’s Nagarnar plant would not be sold to private players. However, the central government is now fast-tracking the divestment process of the plant through its DIPAM website. Baij has called upon Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to clarify the government’s position on the divestment of the Nagarnar plant, stating that the BJP government appears more focused on serving the interests of a few capitalist friends than ensuring the welfare of the people of Chhattisgarh.
Baij also highlighted the neglect of Chhattisgarh, despite the state sending 10 BJP MPs to the Lok Sabha. He criticized these MPs for remaining silent in the face of the state’s consistent neglect by the central government, accusing them of prioritizing party loyalty over the interests of their constituents.
NMDC Headquarters: Why is It Still in Hyderabad?
Deepak Baij brought attention to NMDC, a Navratna company engaged in iron ore mining in central India, with six major mines operating in Chhattisgarh. Despite Chhattisgarh contributing 80% of NMDC’s total annual turnover of ₹22,000 crores, the company’s headquarters remains in Hyderabad. Baij argued that due to NMDC’s headquarters being in Telangana, Chhattisgarh is losing out on its rightful share of corporate taxes and GST, which are instead going to other states. The Chhattisgarh Assembly had previously passed a unanimous resolution to move NMDC’s headquarters to Raipur and had sent a recommendation to the central government. Baij questioned when this long-pending demand would be fulfilled.
Discrimination Against Chhattisgarh in Mining and Industry
Highlighting the broader issue of exploitation and discrimination, Baij pointed out that the central government and its public sector undertakings have been extracting Chhattisgarh’s rich resources, including iron ore, coal, bauxite, and tin. Despite this, Chhattisgarh’s rightful share of benefits and opportunities is continually denied. The state’s share in coal royalty penalties has been pending with the central government for the past seven years. Additionally, the Modi government’s decision to levy royalties on iron ore only after its sale, rather than on production and storage as was done earlier, has caused significant financial losses to Chhattisgarh.
Employment Discrimination: Chhattisgarh Youth Neglected
The Pradesh Congress President further criticized NMDC for not providing adequate employment opportunities to the local youth of Chhattisgarh. Despite generating a significant portion of its revenue from the state, NMDC has almost stopped hiring locally in the last 10 years. The location of its headquarters in Hyderabad has further compounded the problem, as employment opportunities for Chhattisgarh’s youth are being denied in favor of people from other regions.
Manipulation in Royalties and Revenue Loss
Baij also raised serious concerns about the manipulation in the calculation of iron ore royalties. He alleged that for several years, local administrations, the mining department, and the geology department have colluded to manipulate the calculation of royalties based on the quantity and quality of iron ore extracted. This manipulation has resulted in significant financial losses for both the central government and Chhattisgarh.
The Pradesh Congress President called for an immediate, transparent investigation into the mining activities in NMDC’s allocated mines in Chhattisgarh. This includes scrutinizing the grading process, records of production, volume and quality of extracted minerals, and the calculation of royalties. Baij emphasized the need for urgent action to prevent further losses and ensure that Chhattisgarh receives its rightful share of revenue.
Conclusion
The visit of Union Steel and Heavy Industry Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to Chhattisgarh has brought the BJP government’s neglect and discrimination against the state into sharp focus. With 80% of NMDC’s revenue coming from Chhattisgarh, yet its headquarters still in Hyderabad, and with serious questions surrounding the divestment of the Nagarnar plant and the manipulation of royalties, the Pradesh Congress has demanded immediate answers. Deepak Baij has challenged the central government to explain its stand on these critical issues and to ensure that Chhattisgarh receives the respect, resources, and opportunities it deserves.
