Mangaluru City North MLA Y Bharath Shetty has urged Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy to consider merging the Kudremukh Iron Ore Company (KIOCL) with the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC). The MLA called for immediate action to address the long-standing demands of Kudremukh company workers, asserting that the merger would facilitate the company's revival.
Revival and Industrial Development
Shetty emphasized that merging KIOCL with NMDC would not only revive the company but also accelerate industrial development in the coastal region. During a meeting with the minister in Bengaluru, he discussed various industrial issues and submitted a detailed memorandum outlining the benefits of the proposed merger.
Employment and Investment
The MLA urged the minister to place special emphasis on investment and the establishment of new industries to create more employment opportunities in Dakshina Kannada. He requested Kumaraswamy to visit the district, personally inspect developmental activities, and prioritize resolving local issues.
Mining Permissions Stalled
Shetty highlighted that operations at KIOCL have been severely hindered due to the state government's refusal to grant mining permission to the company. In the last legislative session, attention was drawn to the Kudremukh mining issue, but the government did not respond. In this context, the MLA urged the Centre to pressure the state government to grant the necessary mining permissions.
The MLA's appeal comes amid growing concerns over the financial health of KIOCL, which has been struggling due to lack of mining access. The merger with NMDC is seen as a strategic move to leverage NMDC's resources and expertise to revive the company and boost regional economic growth.
