Odishareceived the Rashtriya Khanij Vikas Puraskar first prize for thebest performing state in taking initiatives in exploration, auction and operationalisation of mines. It carries a Rs 3 crore prize .
The state mines minister, Prafulla Mallik, recived the award from Union Home ministerAmit Shahand coal and mines ministerPralhad Joshiduring the 6th National Conclave of Mines and Minerals in New Delhi.
The Rashtriya Khanij Vikas Puraskar was given away for the first time in three different categories. Odisha received the second prize (Rs 2 crore cash) in Category II, in which MP stood first and Maharashtra came third. CM Naveen Patnaik congratulated the state steel and mines department for the feat.