Odisha's Chief minister Naveen
Patnaik on Saturday once again urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take
necessary steps for levy of Mineral Resources Rent Tax on iron ore.
Asserting that the proposal of the
state government would not affect mining activities, he said that the intention
is to impose tax on surplus rent and thus allow the mining companies to make
profits that are commensurate with the risks involved.
Defending the state's proposal,
he said that besides giving additional resources to the areas affected by
mining, the tax will act as a deterrent to excessive mining.
Clarifying the intention of the
state government, he said that the proposed tax so collected should accrue to
the state government for improving social and physical infrastructure,
strengthening welfare measures to improve the livelihood of the poor people of
the state.
Stating that he had been raising
the issue in various forums such as at the National Integration Council and the
National Development Council earlier this year, he said that he is unable to
understand why the Centre has not taken a decision on my proposal which will be
in the larger interest of the community, particularly those residing in the
mining areas.
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