Nagpur:Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced that the Centre’s upcoming national mining policy will focus on boosting industrial production while ensuring inclusive employment generation, particularly in underdeveloped regions like Vidarbha.
Speaking at the “India@100: Charting Vidarbha’s Journey to a Developed India” event in Nagpur, Mr. Gadkari said the new policy draws inspiration from the foundational economic philosophies of Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi.
“Nehruji spoke about the need for maximum production. Gandhiji added that production should involve the maximum number of people. That’s the model we are aiming for in Vidarbha,” he said. “We want to ensure high production with broad public participation.”
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05 Aug 2025
Highlighting the critical role of the mining sector in the region’s development, Mr. Gadkari said a new national mining policy is being finalized with a focus on streamlining procedures and accelerating industrial activities in resource-rich districts like Gadchiroli.
He revealed that the draft policy had been placed before the Cabinet, and after initial reservations from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gadkari’s suggestions led to a directive for further review by the Cabinet Secretary.
The proposed policy aims to cut red tape and simplify the approval process for mining projects. “Environmental clearances should not take more than a month. All state and central approvals must be completed within three months. Production should begin by the fourth month,” Mr. Gadkari stressed.
This efficiency, he said, will not only enhance the ease of doing business but also serve as a catalyst for job creation in tribal and backward areas.
The Minister pointed out that regions like Gadchiroli, which have recently attracted investment interest in mining and steel, stand to benefit greatly from these reforms. The goal is not just faster economic growth but a model that lifts employment and livelihoods in remote and tribal communities.
“The new mining policy will signal a shift from bureaucratic delays to transparent, time-bound implementation,” he concluded.
The policy is expected to be officially unveiled in the coming months, potentially transforming Vidarbha into a hub of industrial and inclusive economic development.
