Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has sought iron ore from the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) at a concessional rate of 30 percent to steel industries in Bastar, according to a letter written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday.

The Chief Minister said this will help steel industries in Bastar to operate in full scale and create employment opportunities for local youths and accelerate the region’s economic growth. The letter also mentions that the State Government has already sent a proposal to NMDC in this regard.

The Chief Minister has highlighted the abundance of mineral and forest resources in Bastar. Dense forest has led to limited economic activities leading to largescale unemployment and Naxalite activities taking roots.

The State Government has been trying to bring changes through innovative practices utilising schemes to improve the living standard of the people in Bastar. This is not possible without generating employment opportunities on a large scale, the letter said.

The Chief Minister said that despite the abundance of iron ore and NMDC mining large quantities of it, the steel industries could not become a profitable venture for private entrepreneurs because of adverse circumstances.

If NMDC provides iron ore to steel industries of Bastar at 30 percent concession, establishment of major-minor steel production units in Bastar region will become more feasible and profitable. It will generate lakhs of jobs for local youths.

The Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to give necessary directions to NMDC.