Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra State Mining Corporation,Vidarbha Economic Development Council

Nagpur: Union minister Nitin Gadkari was upset about the absence of the Managing Director of Manganese Ore India Ltd. (MOIL) at a mining-related conclave on Saturday, saying he needs to be "put in his place".

The MD of MOIL, a public sector company, did not come to ''Min-Con'' organised by Maharashtra State Mining Corporation and Vidarbha Economic Development Council despite an invite, the minister noted in his speech at the event.

Talking about huge potential in the manganese ore-based industry, he said, "Manganese Ore India MD has not come here. He is a very big man, he does not come when we invite, he does not come even otherwise."

"He is big shot, his status is higher than that of President," Mr Gadkari said in a sarcastic tone.

"Unko theek karna padega ek baar acche se (he needs to be put in his place once)," the Union minister added.

In his speech, Mr Gadkari stressed that ecological balance must be kept in mind while thinking about how to increase the growth rate and boost job creation.

He told Maharashtra industries minister Subhash Desai and Principal Secretary Satish Gavai that there should be a policy for forest-based and mineral-based industries in Vidarbha and tribal areas in the state.

The forest-based industry can lead to a lot of development, Mr Gadkari said, adding that jungles of Gadchiroli district can supply raw material for Patanjali Group's Ayurveda medicine plant coming up near Nagpur.