GUWAHATI, Oct 10 - Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly Debabrata Saikia has demanded participation of the State government�s public sector undertakings (PSUs) in mining auction.
Saikia today sent a letter to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on the issue.
�I wish to remind you that before the previous auction of oilfields in Assam, we had demanded that the State government participate in the auction through the Assam Hydrocarbon & Energy Company Ltd. Unfortunately, this was not done. Now, in view of news emerging that the Government of India is planning to auction various sites in Assam which contain mines and minerals, including four limestone mines, I request you to direct the Assam Mines and Minerals Development Corporation, or any other eligible PSU run by the State government, to participate in the auction process,� said Saikia.
He added, �I must stress that previously we have missed opportunities to retain a major say and stake in the utilisation of our State�s own resources. It would be a major tragedy if the State government fails to protect the interests of Assam this time as well. It is up to you to ensure that not only do state-run PSUs participate in all forthcoming auctions, but also that they do not go just through the motions. They must come up with feasible bids. Retaining a stake and say in the utilisation of our own resources, which are not inexhaustible, is one of the ways to safeguard our �Jati, Mati, Bheti�.�
