Andhra Pradesh - Guntur   

Tribal youth being trained in mining

Jayaraj Manepalli

GUNTUR: The Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation Limited is imparting training in mining to about 150 tribals at Mangampet in Kadapa district, said its Managing Director V.D. Raja Gopal.

"This will help the tribal youth who have a fairly good knowledge of the physiography of the region to use it for mining. The basic training will provide them opportunities for employment in mining sector," Mr. Raja Gopal told The Hindu here on Tuesday.

The Government was concerned about the welfare of the tribals and it had issued a G.O. in this regard recently.

"According to this GO, the mining companies had to pay a royalty of 25 per cent for the development of the tribals," he said.

He found fault with various groups who raised a hue and cry when the Government had decided to permit Jindal group to undertake mining activity in the State. "As per the agreement, we will provide them only the material supply," Mr. Raja Gopal observed.

Revenue mobilisation

The Government would get Rs.120 crores per annum by way of sales tax and other forms of revenue. The company was also bound to give a prescribed percentage of its returns for the welfare of tribals, he said. The APMDCL was the first in the country in terms of revenue mobilisation as it had realized Rs.1,269 crores last year, he said.

The APMDCL has earmarked Rs.5 crores for the research activities related to newer and environment-friendly methods of mining. He called upon the universities to concentrate on designing eco-friendly mining techniques.

The enhancement of the environment was possible with the restorative processes undertaken by everyone for the overall development of the country, he added.

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