Odisha Mining Scam - CEC held Odisha Govt. responsible

It seems the mining scam in Odisha going to be a big political issue both at the center and state level, considering the gravity of the issue. 

We all know that there were large scale irregularities in licensing of mining activities by the government and at the same time there were gross misuse by the companies involved in the mining activities. With all the mining activities stopped, now the question arise how the state will move ahead with its developmental activities. 

But saying that, we also need to keep in mind that Odisha's economic development has already slowed down in the recent years and if the mining remains blocked, its going to hurt the state further. At this juncture, CEC has thrown literately bomb against the Naveen Patnaik government. 

A Central Empowered Committee (CEC) appointed by the Supreme Court to probe the Odisha mining scam has held the state government responsible for alleged illegal mining from 2000 to 2011.

Submitting its report to the apex court Friday, the CEC said mining companies illegally produced more than 2131 lakh metric tonnes (mt) of iron ore and 24 mt of manganese with a notional value of Rs. 17,576 crore during these eleven years.

The CEC said mining operations in Odisha had been taken up almost by all the lessees without environmental clearance.

 

“It is most disturbing to note that the entire production without or in excess of the statutory approvals has been transported under the transit permits (TPs) issued by the officers concerned of the state government after payment of royalty at applicable rates,” the CEC headed by PV Jayakrishnan said in its 178-page report.

The report added that the state-owned Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) was a major violator and headed the pack whioh included government of India undertakings and companies belonging to reputed corporate groups.

“The senior officers of the state government from the chief secretary downwards cannot escape responsibility for such wholesale and brazen violation of the acts, rules and guidelines and the directions of this Hon’ble Court and also points towards lax governance,” the CEC said.

This is the second indictment of the Naveen Patnaik government, with Justice MB Shah commission that probed the multi-crore mining scam having recommended an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation in February.

After the opposition first raised it in the Odisha assembly in 2009, the Patnaik government ordered a vigilance probe. But opposition parties and social activists have been demanding a CBI inquiry saying the state vigilance department is remote-controlled by the government.

Now it has to be seen how the Odisha government is handling its mining policies, especially under the Modi's developmental policies at the center.  May the time has just come for Naveen to shake hands with BJP !