Modi, Shah want J&K to become mineral state: Reddy

Jammu, Nov 24: Asserting that states across the country have “risen above political differences” and are collectively working towards empowering the youth, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy on Monday congratulated Jammu and Kashmir for joining the mineral action map.
The Union Minister and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday launched the e-Auction of Limestone Blocks.
While addressing the launch ceremony, Reddy said, “Seven limestone mineral blocks were launched by us with J&K CM Omar Abdullah. J&K has joined the mineral action map today.”
He said, “In 2014, the Supreme Court instructed the government to reform the mining sector with transparency. PM Modi has brought a regime for this action. This action regime is running with 100% transparency today.”
The Union Minister said that today all the states have risen above politics and are working towards empowering the youth. “They are also playing a key role in improving the ease of doing business,” he said.
Reddy highlighted that proactive participation by states has ensured holistic development across sectors, particularly mining. “All the state governments have come into the mineral action map,” he said, adding that reforms and coordinated efforts have accelerated the pace of exploration and resource utilisation.
Reddy said, “More than 1000 mineral and coal blocks have been auctioned so far, marking a historic leap in resource management,” he said.
The Union Minister praised the transparent and competitive auction process introduced by the PM Modi led government stating that it has not only boosted investor confidence but also opened new avenues for employment and industrial growth. He said the sector is now contributing significantly to revenue generation for states, thereby enabling them to enhance welfare and development programmes.
Earlier talking to the reporters, Reddy said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah want Jammu and Kashmir to become a mineral state.”
“This limestone mineral blocks auction is happening for the first time in J&K. PM Modi and Amit Shah ji want to create more and more employment opportunities for the J&K people and increase mineral activity here” he added. (KNO)