Mining dependent community urges Karnataka govt to remove curbs on iron ore sale
New Delhi: The community of mining dependents in Karnataka on Monday urged the government to remove restrictions on iron-ore sale from the state, saying it will help create additional one lakh jobs in the mining sector and bring great relief amid COVID-19 crisis.
Karnataka Gani Avalambithara Vedike (KGAV), which represents mining dependents, lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Vocal for Local' campaign and appealed to the government to adopt similar policies for iron-ore mining in Karnataka.
Welcoming Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa's recommendation for allowing the sale of eight million tonnes of iron ore that had been extracted before the Supreme Court ruling on cancellation of the C' class mining leases, KGAV also make a plea to the state government to expedite the process of seeking clearances from the relevant authorities.
The initiative will provide much required impetus to the economy and fight Covid-19. The funds generated can also be used for accelerating relief efforts towards protection of lives and livelihoods for the COVID-affected communities across the state, KGAV said in a statement.
The Karnataka government in July 2010 had imposed a blanket ban on exports, which was subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court in 2011.
Due to the ban, iron-ore mined from Karnataka cannot be sold outside India.
As a result of unfair policy-level restrictions, the livelihood of lakhs of mining dependents in the state is getting affected because the workers cannot mine beyond a certain limit which has been imposed by the authorities, the KGAV said.
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Regret participating in 'movement' that vilified ex-PM Manmohan Singh: Prashant Bhushan
New Delhi: Senior advocate and activist Prashant Bhushan has expressed regret over his past role in political movements that, he said, contributed to the vilification of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Bhushan made the remarks in a post on social media on the first death anniversary of Manmohan Singh.
In his post, Bhushan described Manmohan Singh as “a humble, decent, well educated and well meaning man,” adding that the former prime minister’s humility and decency were “seen as a weakness.” He said he regretted having participated in a movement that helped discredit Singh and, in his words, “helped a rogue regime come to power.”
Bhushan’s statement is widely seen as a reference to the anti-corruption movement that gained momentum during the second United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, when Manmohan Singh was prime minister. The movement, led by civil society activists, had targeted corruption allegations against the government and eventually reshaped India’s political landscape. Critics have since argued that the campaign contributed to undermining Singh’s leadership and paved the way for a change in government at the Centre.
Manmohan Singh, who served as prime minister from 2004 to 2014, was known for his low-profile style, technocratic approach and role in shaping India’s economic reforms.
He was a humble, decent, well educated & well meaning man. His humility & decency was seen as a weakness.
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) December 26, 2025
I regret having participated in a movement that vilified him & helped a rogue regime come to power pic.twitter.com/6JWOrdCZdE
