HT Bureau
DIPHU, Aug 2: The ministers for Mines & Minerals and HAD Nandita Garlosa and Jogen Mohon respectively visited the soon to be exploited quartzite mining site at Arting, West Karbi Anglong, around 40 kms off Hamren.
Accompanied by the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Tuliram Ronghang, Garlosa ceremonially opened the Arting Quartzite Block -1 for mining in presence of Mohon. The Block has been awarded to Priyanka Prity Baruah.
Later, at a public meeting at Arting (C), Mupu-ut playground, Garlosa said, “Tribal areas are blessed with resources but the benefits are late in reaching them. We can see it in India and our state of Assam. In the hill districts of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao have much to be done by the Ministry of Mines & Minerals. The quartzite mined here will be used wherever needed.”
The minister said that KAAC will receive a revenue share of 60 percent, while the state government will get 40 percent.
VAT will go to the Council as the land belonged to the Council, Garlosa informed, besides announcing electrification of Arting through Government electrification schemes and RDSS. She also said exploration should not go to the extent of degrading the environment.
Ronghang said the road from Lamhemphi to Arting will be completed soon. Various development schemes will also be executed in West Karbi Anglong, he added.
The HAD minister, Jogen Mohon said as the guardian minister he is concerned about the development of the hill districts of Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong and NC Hills.
MLAs Rupsing Teron and Bidya Sing Engleng, Executive Member of KAAC, D Uphing Maslai, Members of Autonomous Council and officials were present at the meeting.
Later, the HAD minister, along with other dignitaries, visited the Branch Secretariat located at Hamren and inaugurated the Pension Seva Kendra. The Pension Seva Kendra is to streamline pension procedures and make it easier to apply.