Granite and Stone Industry Seeks Govt Policy Support

Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry (FIGSI), an association to promote the Natural Stones of India domestically and internationally, has presented a charter to the Govt. of Karnataka. “India is the second largest deposit of Natural Stones in the world with 15% of the world Natural Stone reserves which is about 46.23 billion cubic meters. India also stands in 4th position in the Natural Stone trade in the world. The total number of people employed in the Natural Stone trade in India is about 1.5 million. Considering all these benefits from the Natural Stone Industry. FIGSI seeks support from the state government to promote and give fillip to the stone industry,” said Ishwinder Singh, President, Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry. Hon'ble Minister for Mines and Geology, Achar Halappa Basappa said, “If there is a need to resolve any issues in procedural aspects, Government will take necessary steps to simplify the procedures and ease difficulties, if any to avoid unnecessary delay, " added Mr. Achar Halappa Basappa. The FIGSI also sought simplification of the environment clearance certificate procedure. “Environmental protection is now mandatory for every quarrying activity since we have to obtain an Environmental clearance certificate and have to follow the conditions laid down in the E/C. We request the government to simplify the procedure to obtain environment clearance,” added Ishwinder Singh.