Kerala: BJP alleges CM Satheesan misled Assembly over coastal sand mining policy

Thiruvananthapuram, June 26 (IANS) The BJP has alleged that Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan misled the Kerala Legislative Assembly over the issue of privatisation in the coastal mineral sand mining sector. BJP State Vice-President Shaun George claimed that the Chief Minister’s statement in the Assembly was contrary to official records and amounted to misleading the House.

Shaun George said that during the Assembly debate following the state Budget’s policy announcement allowing private participation in the coastal mineral sand mining sector, the Chief Minister had categorically stated that “the government has no plan to privatise mineral sand mining”.

However, he contended that this assertion was inconsistent with government documents.

According to Shaun George, a memorandum submitted by a Telangana-based firm to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) clearly states that the company has entered into an understanding with Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML).

He also released copies of the memorandum and related documents.

He further alleged that the understanding was based on a tender floated by KMML.

As per the agreement, provisions have been made to ensure the supply of raw materials required for processing minerals, including monazite, to the private company.

It also permits the company to utilise two acres of KMML land along with the necessary infrastructure.

Additionally, the agreement reportedly stipulates that raw materials collected by KMML must first meet the requirements of the private company before being allocated for any other purpose.

Shaun George pointed out that the collection and handling of strategic minerals such as monazite, which contains thorium, are matters of national security.

In such a scenario, he said, the Chief Minister’s statement in the Assembly that private companies have no role in the sector was factually incorrect and a matter of serious concern.

He also questioned whether the state Budget’s policy announcement on private participation was intended to facilitate this particular company, noting that the process involving the Telangana-based company had begun as early as May 6.

The government, he said, should immediately withdraw from any move that could compromise national security.

–IANS

sg/pgh