Odisha may close mines operation unless payment of stamp duty

Targeting about Rs 1,000 crore additional earning from mining, Odisha government today instructed all district collectors not to allow operation of mines under deemed extension provision if they fail to deposit required stamp duty by July 9.
"It is necessary to ensure collection of the stamp duty from mining lessees who are availing the benefit of deemed extension of the lease deed to fulfil the objective of the Amending Act failing which mining operation shall be stopped," Steel and Mines Secretary Rajesh Verma said in a letter to all the district collectors.
"You are, therefore, requested not to allow operation of the mines, unless the payment of stamp duty is made on or before July 9," he said.

Verma said the stamp duty will be realised as per the provisions of the Indian Stamp (Odisha Amendment) Act, 2013 and Odisha Stamp Rules, 1952 as amended by the rules of 2013.
Noting that instructions have been issued with the concurrence of the Revenue and Disaster Management department, which collects stamp duty during the lease deed, Verma also asked the mining officers of all the mining circles to strictly ensure compliance of the order.
The letter also said that in case of renewals covered under this sub-section and where the lease expires after July 9, the payment of requisite stamp duty has to be made by the renewal applicant on or before the date of expiry of the lease, failing which the miners shall also not be allowed to operate the mines under deemed extension provision.

Revenue and disaster management department had issued necessary instructions on May 25 to all collectors to ensure payment of stamp duty by the applicants for renewal of mining lease who have made such applications to the state government prior to the expiry of lease.