PCB, I&C officers who issued mining orders likely to face suspension
Srinagar, June 24 : The issue of SRO-105 rocked the Lower House on Friday as Opposition and some ruling legislators protested issuing of no objection certificate (NOC) to a non-state subject for carrying out mining in Jammu, even as a House Committee has been formed to deliberate on the SRO which was put on hold by the government.
The Opposition demanded resignation of the Industries and Commerce minister, Chandra Prakash Ganga and action against the officers who have issued NOC to the person for mining project in Jammu.
When the Question Hour began, the Opposition legislators led by Independent MLA from Kulgam, M Y Tarigami created ruckus in the House and blamed the government for failing to uphold the order of the House.
Tarigami said that the Pollution Control Board (PCB) has issued NOC to a non-local for taking up mining project in Jammu despite House Committee deliberating the SRO 105 that was put on hold by the government.
“The SRO-105 was put on hold and a House Committee was made to deliberate it. Even the controversial clauses from the New Industrial Policy were also withdrawn but yesterday the PCB has issued NOC and a mining order was granted to Mohan Pal Singh of Chandigarh over 40 hectares in two pockets in the Ravi river by Geology and Mining department. It is clear disrespect of the House,” Tarigami said.
He said that the New Industrial Policy has been violated by the government by issuing mining order to a non-local.
Tarigami was supported by the Independent lawmaker Er Abdul Rashid and legislators of National Conference who blamed the government for disrespecting the House.
Minister for R&B, Abdul Rehman Veeri asked the protesting legislators to allow the concerned minister to speak on the issue. “Please maintain silence and allow the minister to clear his position,” he said.
NC Legislator and MLA Sonawari, Mohammad Akbar Lone demanded resignation of the minister for Industries and Commerce (I&C) and suspension order of two secretaries from PCB and I&C department.
He also sought privilege motion against the concerned minister.
“The minister should resign on moral grounds besides the secretaries of both these departments including PCB and I&C should be placed under suspension. There should be privilege motion against the concerned minister. The government should immediate revoke the orders from PCB and I&FC,” he said.
Er Rashid also supported the NC legislator and sought resignation from the concerned minister
Meanwhile BJP legislator and MLA Kathua, Rajiv Jasrotia confronted the government and termed the order a ‘mockery’ of session.
“Jammu and Kashmir High Court has put stay on SRO 105 on 22-04-2016 and the matter is subjudice. But on 12-05-2016, Geology and Mining department issues mining order in favour of one non local which is clear violation to court order. Further despite House Committee framed, the PCB has ordered consent to operate in favour of a non-local which is a clear mockery of session,” he said.
Responding to the protesting legislators, Minister of Industries and Commerce Chander Prakash Ganga said he will examine the matter. He assured that the government will take strict action against the guilty officers.
“Honestly the matter has not yet come to my notice. But I assure you that I will examine it and a strict action will be taken against the violators,” he said.
Minister for Revenue and Relief and Rehabilitation also joined in and asked the Minister to take immediate action against the officers responsible for the orders.
Meanwhile Speaker Kavinder Gupta observed that the chair has been disrespected by the officers responsible for the order adding that the officers should be suspended with immediate effect.
“Didn’t the officers hear the announcement of putting SRO 105 on hold then? The officers have taken House non serious. The government shall place the officers under suspension and action should be taken against them,” he said.
Deputy Speaker Nazir A Gurezi also demanded suspension of the accused officers. (KNS)