Articles Details

Granite Development Council

Author: STC
Article Date: 01.01.2016

The first meeting of the Granite Development Council was held in New Delhi on 1st December, 2015 under the chairmanship of the Secretary (Mines), Government of India. He welcomed all the members of the reconstituted Granite Development Council. It was decided to include also Telangana as a member of the reconstituted GDC.
 
On the request of the Secretary (Mines) Shri Balwinder Kumar, the President, Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry (FIGSI), Shri R. Sekar gave a brief account of the industry and presented the problems and challenges being faced by the granite industry and the support sought from the central Government.
 
The problem faced over transportation of granite blocks was highlighted. Presently, transportation of granite blocks is limited, in terms of weight to 35 tonnes. As the optimum capacity of the machines is 55 tonnes, it was requested that state governments should allow transportation of blocks weighing over 35 tonnes. The Secretary stated that the weight restriction of granite blocks during transportation must be as per the provision of the Moter Vehicles Act.
 
Shri Sekar requested the central government to intervene as granite was an export commodity which earned foreign exchange for the country and requested for support from the Ministry of Mines which included liberalization of the import policy for import of granite blocks.
 
Some members expressed apprehensions on the issue of State Governments being asked by the Ministry to prescribe a transparent and non-discriminatory method for grant of mineral concession for minor minerals. Secretary explained that consequent upon the amendment Mr. R. Sekar  of MMDR Act, 1957 prescribing auction as the method of granting mineral concessions, the State Governments must review their rules under section 15 of the MMDR Act for prescribing a transparent and non-discriminatory, method in view of the rulings of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in this regard. Accordingly, directions have been issued by the Ministry under section 20A asking the State Governments to redraft their provisions for minor minerals in transparent and non-discriminatory process.
 
The representative of CAPEXIL informed that 90% of the industry is export oriented and granite cannot be compared with other minerals as the development of granite depends on the prevalent international trends in design and architecture. He wanted action to be taken for formation of a Committee for making the granite industry globally competitive. Secretary also informed that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the State Government.
 
There were some concerns expressed on the issue of recovery percentage. It was informed that due to the high standards being followed in the export, as much as 85% of the produce goes waste. Therefore, it is not an appropriate assessment by the State Governments to set a very high recovery percentage.
 
There was a demand by the members to bring the import of granite blocks under OGL. The Secretary (Mines) suggested that a representation be made to the Central Government in this regard with detailed justification.
 
With regard to dumping of waste, the Secretary informed the stand of the Ministry that Supreme Court in Goa Foundation case had earlier ruled that dumping of mineral waste outside the mining lease area should not be allowed.

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