‘Clean chit to Kejriwal: Court verdict strengthened public trust’
JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, Friday directed for strict enforcement of e-Challan at crusher units, mandatory GPS tracking of all vehicles transporting mining material and implementation of the “One Parchi, One Load” rule to completely curb illegal mining across Jammu and Kashmir.
Chairing a high-level meeting of the Mining Department at Jammu, the Deputy Chief Minister stressed the need for strengthening enforcement mechanisms in all districts.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Mining Department, Ashwani Kumar; Chairman, Pollution Control Committee; Director, Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing; Deputy Commissioners (Chairpersons, District Level Task Force Committees) online; Director, Geology and Mining; MD, JKML; Special Secretary, Mining Department; Senior Superintendents of Police; Director Finance, Mining; DMOs and other senior officers.
Reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, the Deputy Chief Minister issued strict instructions that no vehicle shall be allowed to transport mining material without a valid ‘Parchi’ (authorized e- challan).
“Only one load must be permitted against each Parchi and any misuse or duplication shall be invite strict action against the violator,” he said.
Making GPS tracking mandatory, the Deputy Chief Minister ordered that all vehicles involved in mining operations must have functional GPS devices installed. “Vehicles operating without GPS shall be seized immediately and stern action shall be taken against defaulters.”
“I give DCs, who head District Task Forces and SSPs a free hand to take strict action against illegal mining offenders, including complicit officials. No external pressure will be tolerated while dealing with the offenders,” he stated.
During the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister undertook a detailed review of measures, including the status of mineral blocks, e-auctions, GPS tracking and IMSS implementation, enforcement actions against illegal mining, compliance of crusher units, proposed amendments in royalty and penalties, progress under DMFT, mineral exploration activities and overall regulatory position of the Department.
During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary, stressed on maintaining tight vigil and effective action be taken to address the challenge of illegal mining in J&K.
At the outset, Director Geology and Mining Department, briefed the chair about the overall functioning and measures taken to curb illegal mining operations.
Choudhary said he takes pride in the country’s judiciary, and asserted that democracy becomes stronger when its pillars function independently and deliver fair decisions.
Referring to a Delhi court on Friday discharging former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in the politically-charged liquor policy case, Choudhary said, “I can only say this much, we take pride in our judiciary. The Indian judiciary has a reputation, both in the country and across the world.”
The Delhi court judgement upheld the law laid down by B R Ambedkar, and strengthened public trust, he said.
“When the pillars of democracy take the right decisions, democracy remains strong,” Choudhary said.
Calling journalists an important pillar of democracy, the deputy chief minister expressed hope that media houses would continue to take bold and fair decisions to strengthen the democratic institutions.
“People’s faith grows when institutions function impartially. We expect the true voice of the people to reach the country and the world,” he added.
The Delhi court on Friday discharged Kejriwal, his former deputy Manish Sisodia and 22 others in the 2021-22 liquor policy case, and pulled up the CBI by saying it found no “overarching conspiracy or criminal intent” in the now-scrapped policy for 2021-22.
On raids conducted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau at his brother’s residence and properties, Choudhary said the investigating agency has been given a free hand to carry out its probe.
“If any mistake has been committed, we will face the consequences. But if no wrongdoing is established, we have complete faith in the judiciary and expect justice without any bias or selective targeting,” Choudhary said, adding that he would continue to demand a fair probe.
