MLA seeks KIOCL-NMDC merger for company revival

Mangaluru: Mangaluru City North MLA Y Bharath Shetty has urged Union minister for heavy industries and steel HD Kumaraswamy to merge Kudremukh Iron Ore Company (KIOCL) with the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC).

The MLA called for immediate action to consider and fulfil the long-standing demands of Kudremukh company workers. He asserted that merging the Kudremukh company with NMDC would help revive the company. “Merging KIOCL with NMDC would enable the company’s revival and accelerate industrial development in the coastal region. I discussed other industrial issues with the minister and submitted a detailed memorandum,” the MLA said.

During a meeting with the minister in Bengaluru, the MLA urged for special emphasis on investment, and the establishment of new industries to create more employment opportunities in Dakshina Kannada. He requested the minister to visit the district, personally inspect the developmental activities and prioritise resolving local issues.

“Operations of the company have been severely hindered due to the state govt’s refusal to grant mining permission to the Kudremukh Iron Ore Company. In the last legislative session, attention was drawn to the Kudremukh mining issue, but the govt did not respond. In this context, I urged the Centre to pressure the state govt to grant mining permission,” the MLA said.