New Delhi: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has said that with 8.2 per cent growth, India is at present one of the fastest growing economies in the world and the coal and mines sector of the country is contributing considerably to the present economic growth.

Addressing the 6th national conclave on ‘Mines and Minerals’ organized as part of AKAM Iconic week celebrations by the Mines Ministry here on Tuesday, Shah said that the reforms undertaken by the present government has resulted in eliminating deep rooted corruption existing in coal block allotments.

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always given utmost priority to ensure reforms in the mining sector so that it can further contribute to the overall economic growth of the country. These reforms have resulted in noteworthy improvement in coal production domestically and the imports have reduced considerably, the minister said. Mining sector is of paramount importance in generating income to States and multiple employment avenues, the Home Minister added.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi said that the conclave is expected to provide very useful inputs / feedback for further reforms in the mining sector. He said that coal production has increased considerably from 577 million ton in 2014 to 817 million ton at present and the overall production during this fiscal year is likely to cross 920 million ton. /BI/