The Centre has formed a council, to be represented by officials from the Central and state governments, experts and exporters, to look into the various aspects of the granite industry.
To be headed by the Mines Secretary it will be called as the ‘Development Council for Granite Industry.’
The first meeting of the council will take place in New Delhi on December 1.
“The constitution of the council fulfils the long felt need of the industry. Based on our suggestions, various sub committees will be formed soon for the betterment of the industry,” said R. Veeramani, Chairman, granite and natural stone panel of Chemicals and Allied Export Promotion Council, Ministry of Commerce.
According to him, the council will also look into aspects such as competition from lesser known countries, issues relating to technology upgradation, sourcing of adequate material for existing factories and to improve volumes.
Declining exportsFor the last six months, India reported a decline in its exports of natural stones, marbles and granite due to factors such as recession, currency depreciation, dumping of cheap materials by China, entry of new players and restrictive policies of the State government regarding prospecting and long-term mining leases.
“Falling granite exports and non-uniform policies adopted by various state governments are hurting us badly. These are some of the burning issues, which we would like to place it before the council for betterment of the industry.
The Centre and the state government should come out with a globalised approach to seize the increasing demand for these products in the global market. Else, we will be losing our position to China and lesser known countries,” he said.
