Raghunath Mohanty asks Industrial houses to help government raise growth rate

Economic Times reports

ROURKELA: Odisha government has claimed to have taken special measures with focus on value addition of mineral resources in order to boost economic growth and said industries must play a key role in this direction.

This was stated by state Industries and Steel and Mines minister Raghunath Mohanty at a function marking the golden jubilee celebrations of Rourkela Chamber of Commerce and Industries (RCCI) here last night.

The minister said all industrial houses and general public should extend their cooperation to the government to raise overall growth of the state to double digit by 2012-13.

Efforts are underway to make it mandatory for private mining lease holders to provide 70 per cent of the iron ore to state based industries for domestic consumption and Odisha Mining Corporation would ensure supply of 80 per cent of its production to industries in Sundargarh District, he said.

All possible support would be extended to Sundargarh presently facing industrial slowdown and necessary measures would also be taken to tide over the problems due to high cost of iron ore, the minister said adding he would take up the issue of increase power tariff with higher officials.

The scarcity of coal supply would be sorted out and the government was contemplating suitable amendment through a deal for effective regulation of ground water he said.

The government envisages economic progress through industrial expansion and agriculture development and plans are afoot for industrial parks, auto complex, and food processing parks in the state.

The big industrial houses should create conditions for setting up of downstream industries as state government has been laying adequate thrust on small and medium industries in the state, the minister said.

However, he admitted that land acquisition, pollution control, smooth implementation, R and R policy and quality technical institutions continue to be major challenges.

Earlier, RCCI members highlighted hindrances to industrial growth of the district including bad roads, inadequate rail infrastructure, absence of air connectivity, rising cost of raw materials and power.