Since mines were allotted on the same pattern here as well hence it is expected that Lokayukta may recommend strict action against officials who allotted mines
There is a new twist to mine scam following an order from the Supreme Court. The Apex court has pulled up Goa government for irregularities in mines allotment. Since mines were allotted on the same pattern here as well hence it is expected that Lokayukta may recommend strict action against officials who allotted mines.
On February 7, the Supreme Court cancelled renewal of mines lease between November 1, 2014 and January 12, 2015. In the matter of The Goa Foundation Vs Sesa Sterlite Limited, the Supreme Court said that the state government was aware that the central government was bringing a new mines act because its draft was uploaded on the central mines department’s website. Through special section 10-B, the act made it clear that new mines would be allotted only through auction and the government renewed old mines lease to skip the new mines policy that was approved by the union cabinet January 5, 2015.
After that mines allotment picked up at fast speed. The SC has now cancelled these allotments.
The Supreme Court order is important in Rajasthan’s context because the state government had cancelled all mine allotments after the ACB exposed the scam. The high court had also sought clarification from the state government on cancellation. Since, the mine allotments were not reinstated, contempt proceeding is pending.
Following the Supreme Court order, the Lokayukta secretariat has expedited investigation because here situation is similar to Goa. The Lokayukta has summoned Ashok Singhvi for his reply in two separate matters on February 27 and March 12, respectively. Though, Singhvi has skipped summon so far. It remains to be seen if Singhvi files reply after change of investigating officer.
WHAT HAPPENED IN GOA
207 allotments between November 17 and January 12
56 allotments between January 5 and 12
31 allotments on January 31
..AND RAJASTHAN
After notification uploaded on website mass level allotments between November 17, 2014 and January 12, 2015
650 new mines lease issued
280 allotments between January 5 and 12
134 allotments on January 12, 2015.
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