Guwahati/Hyderabad: G Kishan Reddy, the Union Minister for Coal and Mines, highlighted the government’s focus on developing the North Eastern states at the 2nd North-East Mining Minister’s Conclave.
On the conclave’s second day, he spoke about the government’s support for the mineral-rich North Eastern region. The government plans to improve mining infrastructure, speed up project approvals, and encourage sustainable mining.
He stressed the importance of developing the North East as part of the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. The eight states—Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim—are seen as crucial contributors.
Reddy asked about the status of mining sites, current plans, public cooperation, and state needs. He suggested these factors be part of a vision plan for each state’s mining sector.
He emphasized the need for better coordination between the Centre and states to create jobs, attract investments, and promote economic growth in the mineral and coal sectors.
Reddy noted that Central Ministers have visited the North East nearly 700 times, showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s commitment to the region’s development.
He mentioned ongoing infrastructure projects in the North East and expressed willingness to discuss mining and mineral exploration with state Chief Ministers if needed.
At the conclave, representatives from the eight states shared their strategies for advancing mining and coal sectors. Ministers from Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, along with Nagaland’s Chief Minister Advisor, presented state-specific goals and achievements.
They talked about progress in block auctions, critical mineral exploration, coal mine revival, and sustainable mining models. The discussions aimed to balance environmental protection with economic growth. States also requested more central assistance to overcome regional challenges.
Kishan Reddy opened a new regional office of the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) in Guwahati. Assam’s Minister for Mines, Kaushik Rai, and other senior officials attended the event.
The new IBM office will enhance regulatory oversight and provide technical support for the North East mining sector.
Earlier, Reddy met with State Chief Minister Hemanta Biswa Sarma and visited the Kamakhya Temple.
