Deputy CM of J-K Calls for Investigation Over Suspended Officials in Mining Directorate
Irregularities in the Directorate
Surinder Choudhary, the Deputy Chief Minister and Mining Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has expressed his dismay at the retention of suspended officials within the Directorate of Geology and Mining. He has requested a thorough investigation into the matter, citing serious irregularities within the department.
During a media briefing following a visit to the Directorate, Choudhary revealed that he was “shocked” to observe officials who had been previously suspended or transferred due to “serious allegations” still functioning in their roles. He characterized the current situation as a “fish market” and claimed it serves as a hub for illegal mining practices.
Concerns Over Illegal Mining
Choudhary criticized the internal workings of the Directorate, alleging that illegal mining activities are being facilitated by individuals within the agency itself. He noted that both the director and the joint director were absent while he was present, having attended a meeting with the chief secretary. He plans to address this issue by calling both officials to ascertain how suspended personnel continue to be employed.
The Deputy Chief Minister attributed the ongoing issues to “administrative challenges” faced by the current government. He emphasized that the administration operates as a Union Territory, which he believes allows certain individuals to exploit the system and evade accountability for their actions.
Impact on Governance
Choudhary underscored that this situation tarnishes the reputation of the government, although he assured the public that the offenders would ultimately be held accountable for their actions. The issue of irregularities within the mining department has been a point of contention, leading to scrutiny and criticism in the past.
In February, the Anti-Corruption Bureau conducted operations across various locations, including stone crushers in Bajalta (Jammu), Gandyal (Kathua), and multiple sites in Rajouri and Reasi districts. The searches revealed widespread involvement in illegal mining activities, with many operators disregarding regulations and contributing to significant environmental degradation.
Official Statements
The Directorate of Geology and Mining issued a statement emphasizing that many stone crushers and mining block operators failed to comply with established terms and conditions, which has resulted in serious ecological damage to the surrounding areas. These findings corroborate the Deputy Chief Minister’s assertions about the prevalence of unlawful activities within the mining sector.
The situation continues to unfold as Choudhary commits to addressing the irregularities and fostering accountability within the Directorate of Geology and Mining, underscoring the need for enhanced oversight in the region’s resource management.
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Contents
Irregularities in the DirectorateSurinder Choudhary, the Deputy Chief Minister and Mining Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has expressed his dismay at the retention of suspended officials within the Directorate of Geology and Mining. He has requested a thorough investigation into the matter, citing serious irregularities within the department.During a media briefing following a visit to the Directorate, Choudhary revealed that he was “shocked” to observe officials who had been previously suspended or transferred due to “serious allegations” still functioning in their roles. He characterized the current situation as a “fish market” and claimed it serves as a hub for illegal mining practices.Concerns Over Illegal MiningChoudhary criticized the internal workings of the Directorate, alleging that illegal mining activities are being facilitated by individuals within the agency itself. He noted that both the director and the joint director were absent while he was present, having attended a meeting with the chief secretary. He plans to address this issue by calling both officials to ascertain how suspended personnel continue to be employed.The Deputy Chief Minister attributed the ongoing issues to “administrative challenges” faced by the current government. He emphasized that the administration operates as a Union Territory, which he believes allows certain individuals to exploit the system and evade accountability for their actions.Impact on GovernanceChoudhary underscored that this situation tarnishes the reputation of the government, although he assured the public that the offenders would ultimately be held accountable for their actions. The issue of irregularities within the mining department has been a point of contention, leading to scrutiny and criticism in the past.In February, the Anti-Corruption Bureau conducted operations across various locations, including stone crushers in Bajalta (Jammu), Gandyal (Kathua), and multiple sites in Rajouri and Reasi districts. The searches revealed widespread involvement in illegal mining activities, with many operators disregarding regulations and contributing to significant environmental degradation.Official StatementsThe Directorate of Geology and Mining issued a statement emphasizing that many stone crushers and mining block operators failed to comply with established terms and conditions, which has resulted in serious ecological damage to the surrounding areas. These findings corroborate the Deputy Chief Minister’s assertions about the prevalence of unlawful activities within the mining sector.The situation continues to unfold as Choudhary commits to addressing the irregularities and fostering accountability within the Directorate of Geology and Mining, underscoring the need for enhanced oversight in the region’s resource management.
