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Jairam against any mining in Saranda area
Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh countered the allegation that the security offensive in the Saranda forest area against the Maoists was undertaken to give safe passage to corporate houses.
He added that he was opposed to any mining activities in the Saranda forest area. "Saranda should be declared a no-mining zone," the Minister said at a Press conference on Saturday.
Ramesh had visited Saranda forests area on Friday to assess the ground situation before the Centre to launch the Saranda Action Plan (SAP).
"Displacement of tribals over the years has been one of the reasons behind the rise of Naxalism. I am opposed to any mining activities in the dense forest of Saranda," Ramesh said.
He reminded that as Union Environment Minister in the past, he had never favoured mining activities.
To avoid late payments to the labourers in MGNREGA, workers will be paid in cash. "This scheme has already been started and 1000 workers were paid in cash for the first time in Manoharpur. With a condition, that it should be done in open and under the surveillance of video cameras," said the Minister.
He also declared that schemes of Rural Development Ministry will be monitored by the Comptroller & Auditor General of India for the first time in the country.
Assessing the ground scenario and state of development at Saranda, Jairam said, "Political parties and leaders have their responsibilities as far as this problem is concerned. Political parties should expand their base and activities in such areas. They should win back people who chose bullet to ballot."
Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh countered the allegation that the security offensive in the Saranda forest area against the Maoists was undertaken to give safe passage to corporate houses.
He added that he was opposed to any mining activities in the Saranda forest area. "Saranda should be declared a no-mining zone," the Minister said at a Press conference on Saturday.
Ramesh had visited Saranda forests area on Friday to assess the ground situation before the Centre to launch the Saranda Action Plan (SAP).
"Displacement of tribals over the years has been one of the reasons behind the rise of Naxalism. I am opposed to any mining activities in the dense forest of Saranda," Ramesh said.
He reminded that as Union Environment Minister in the past, he had never favoured mining activities.
To avoid late payments to the labourers in MGNREGA, workers will be paid in cash. "This scheme has already been started and 1000 workers were paid in cash for the first time in Manoharpur. With a condition, that it should be done in open and under the surveillance of video cameras," said the Minister.
He also declared that schemes of Rural Development Ministry will be monitored by the Comptroller & Auditor General of India for the first time in the country.
Assessing the ground scenario and state of development at Saranda, Jairam said, "Political parties and leaders have their responsibilities as far as this problem is concerned. Political parties should expand their base and activities in such areas. They should win back people who chose bullet to ballot."
