VISAKHAPATNAM: The State government has signed MoUs with Jindal and Rus-al-Khaimha to set up an alumina processing unit (smelter plant and refinery). But, it is yet to get permission from the Centre to commence mining of bauxite in the Visakha agency area.

"Mining operations will be taken up by the State Mineral Development Corporation. We will consult all sections before taking it up. We will fulfil all the conditions like holding gram sabhas and take into account the feelings of people. Everything will be done without hurting anyone's feelings," Commercial Taxes Minister Konathala Ramakrishna said at a press conference here.

He also said that a year ago, bauxite mining was discussed with girijan MLAs. The government wanted to exploit the huge deposits to help girijans prosper. It was also for the first time that 0.5 per cent of the total turnover was being allotted for the development and welfare activities of girijans.

Rajiv Swagruha

Youth would be identified for training in trades needed so that they could easily get employment.

On Rajiv Swargruha scheme, he said that processing of applications would be completed in two months.

On large number of vacancies of officer and staff in the GVMC Mr. Ramakrishna said that Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy had noticed this problem during his review held here on Friday and decided to outsource employees before filling vacancies on permanent basis.

Some Rs. 2.30 crores was released to the Anakapalle Municipality towards salaries.

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