Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday several mining related issues in Odisha with Union Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi.
During a meeting with Joshi in his office in New Delhi, Pradhan drew the attention of Mines Minister to the financial problems faced by truck owners’ association in transportation of minerals in Angul and Kolad. Pradhan called for the Centre’s intervention in streamlining the transportation of aluminum in trucks from Nalco. The expansion of Nalco smelter plant also figured in the discussion.
Pradhan sought implementation of the recommendation of the high-level committee for substantial increase in daily wages of contract labourers engaged in coal mines in the state.
He also sought increase in CSR budget of the mines owners and industries for development in various sectors including education, health services, water supply and basic needs of the people living in peripheral areas around the mines.
Pradhan wanted personal intervention of the Mines Minister in ensuring development of the people of Odisha. After giving patient hearing to Pradhan, Joshi assured him of looking into the issues and taking steps to resolve those.