Srinagar | June 30, 2016: J&K has more anti-state subject mining rules and laws than the controversial SRO 105 that gives mining rights to outsiders, say industry lobbyists.
J&K had in sixties of the past century framed J&K Minor Mineral Concession Rules,1962 (SRO-58, Dated: April 10, 1962) according to which any citizen of India can apply for mining rights in J&K State.
Although Governor N N Vohra had on March 31, 2016, replaced the rule with a new one titled SRO 105 taking into consideration certain precautions as directed by the Supreme Court, the SRO gave non-J&K citizens the right to mining, quarry, licenses and virtual opportunity to monopolize the natural resources of J&K State.
However, following the pressure from media and civil society the operation of the SRO was kept in abeyance by the current PDP-BJP coalition government.
The matter caught further media highlight when the CPIM legislator M Y Tarigami informed the State Assembly that a mining lease had been given to a Chandigarh-based firm in Jammu even after putting the “notorious” SRO on hold.
The government said it was revisiting the SRO and put the Director, Geology and Mining department under suspension.
When this scribe tried to ascertain the implications of the 1962 Rule on J&K from the Director, Geology and Mining, he said it grants the Indian citizens full rights on the State’s mines and mineral ores.
“But I have been made a scapegoat out of the controversy. I signed the application under rule 105 of the SRO that allowed me to dispose off the earlier pending cases as were complete in all respects,” said the director Farooq Ahmed Khan.
“I also followed the Minor Mineral Concession Rules,1962 (SRO-58, Dated: April 10, 1962) according to which any citizen of India can apply for mining rights in J&K state.”
He said a no objection certificate had already been issued to the lessee by the then Deputy Commissioner Kathua in April 2014, and he had the central government’s environmental clearance issued on March 22, 2016.
A panel of the J&K Legislative Assembly has already recommended revocation of the controversial SRO 105, saying “it is in gross violation of the J&K Constitution and state-subject laws.”
Meanwhile industry lobbyists have called for revocation of the SRO 105 and J&K Minor Mineral Concession Rules,1962 (SRO-58, Dated: April 10, 1962).
“All the rules or laws as grant an access to outsiders on the resources of J&K should be repealed forthwith and new ones be framed in consultation with all stakeholders,” said Shakeel Qalander, a former Federation Chamber of Industries president.
(Source: http://dailykashmirimages.com/)