Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said he is not in favour of allocating the mines in Saranda in West Singhbhum district to the private sector. The Minister, who visited various panchayats to review implementation of development plan, told reporters on Sunday that iron ore mines in Asia's largest 'Sal' forest should not be allocated to the private sector.
Refuting allegations that government mining policy was aimed to encourage private players, Mr.Ramesh said, Maoists were spreading such allegations to hamper development work. He, however, expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace of development work in the area.