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Union Minister for Mines, Shri Sis Ram Ola, presented the National Mineral Awards to 26 geo-scientists of the country in a function held here today and said the meritorious achievements of these scientists, engineers and technologists have contributed in a big way towards the growth of the Indian economy. The Minister called on the geo-scientists to understand and respond to the unpredictable behaviour of nature, so that human sufferings due to stupendous natural hazards like earthquake and Tsunami are minimized.
The Minister said the foreign investors are now interested in exploration activities in the country. It is heartening to note that more than 182 reconnaissance permits have been granted so far in favour of many multinational companies for ariel prospecting for high value minerals in the States of Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karanataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. He hoped that these efforts will bear fruit in near future and major mineral discoveries would boost the growth of mining sector.
The Minister of State for Coal & Mines, Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao said as a result of liberalized policy, 73 FDI proposals have been approved by Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) with an expected inflow of more than Rs.4,044 crore. He said India continues to be fully or largely self-sufficient in about 35 minerals which constitute primary raw material for indigenous industries. It is the largest cutting and polishing centre for diamonds and imports more than 85 per cent of the output of gem variety of rock diamonds produced in the world. The annual turnover from export of cut and polished diamonds was Rs.35,850 crore accounting for about 14 per cent of all commodities exported. The Minister congratulated the recipients of the awards and hoped that they will continue to work in the same zeal and spirit and motivate their colleagues for achieving excellence.
Speaking on the occasion the Mines Secretary, Shri C.D. Arha said the National Mineral Awards Scheme now covers 14 earth science related fields carrying an award money of Rs. one lakh each with a trophy, certificate and a citation. The National Mineral Awards for Excellence carries an award of Rs. three lakh, with a trophy, certificate and a citation for which, nobody has been selected for the year 2003. So far, 453 geo-scientists have been honoured with the coveted National Mineral Awards and 5 have received the prestigious National Mineral Awards for Excellence. The aim of these awards is to motivate the geo-scientists to contribute their best in their respective fields.
Out of 26 scientists, eleven are from Geological Survey of India, 6 from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, two from National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad and one each from R.K. Marble Private Limited, Udaipur, Associated Stone Industries Limited, Ramganjmandi, Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, University of Delhi and Reliance Industries Limited, Navi Mumbai.
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