Maharashtra Government Approves Mining Authority for Gadchiroli District
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Synopsis
The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the formation of a Mining Authority to manage minerals in Gadchiroli district, aiming to boost the local economy and establish it as a steel hub.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra Cabinet approves Mining Authority in Gadchiroli.
- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to lead the authority.
- Investment of Rs 2 lakh crore expected in the region.
- Authority to oversee mineral resource management.
- Empowered Committee for AI initiatives in the government.
Mumbai, April 1 (NationPress) During a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Maharashtra Cabinet has given its nod for the formation of a Mining Authority in the Maoist-affected Gadchiroli district aimed at overseeing the management of major and industrial minor minerals.
The Chief Minister will lead this authority, which comes shortly after his announcement regarding Gadchiroli's potential as the steel hub of India, given its recent investment attraction of Rs 2 lakh crore.
This authority will include a Mining Minister as the vice-chairman along with other government-nominated ministers, the Chief Secretary, and a total of 13 members.
Additionally, an executive committee has been established under the Chief Secretary to carry out the authority's decisions, comprising 11 members, including the chairman.
The Cabinet has also authorized the drafting of legislation to set up the Gadchiroli District Mining Authority to manage both major minerals and specific industrial minor minerals.
“To elevate the state’s economy to a one trillion dollars target, it is essential to foster an industrial ecosystem conducive to launching ultra mega projects and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Gadchiroli. This authority has been proposed for the systematic development and oversight of the mineral sector in the district,” stated a release from the state government.
The authority will operate under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, along with its amendments and Major and Minor Minerals Rules, 2013. It will be responsible for formulating necessary policies for the structured development of mineral resources, greenlighting new mineral projects, auctioning mining leases, and executing approved mining leases.
This initiative is aimed at accelerating the growth of the mineral sector in Gadchiroli and supporting industrial ventures.
In a related development, the state Cabinet has also approved the creation of an Empowered Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary to oversee the government-backed MARVEL initiative, which focuses on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in government and semi-government operations.
Established in 2024, the Maharashtra Research and Vigilance for Enhanced Law Enforcement (MARVEL) aims to bolster intelligence capabilities and improve crime forecasting, enabling the state police to manage law enforcement more effectively through AI.
The formation of the Empowered Committee was a strategic move as various state departments prepare to launch numerous projects involving AI technology.
MARVEL is set to facilitate these projects while ensuring the confidentiality and security of government data. The committee will review projects individually and make decisions accordingly.
