'Raj govt canceled 653 mines' allotment, 200 from Jaisalmer'

Out of the 653 mines' allotment canceled by the Rajasthan government, 200 belonged to Jaisalmer area, a government official said today, in the backdrop of a probe ordered by the Governor into the alleged irregular allotment of mines deed in the state.
"Of the 653 mines' allotment canceled by the state government, 200 belonged to Jaisalmer area", an Engineer of Mines department Sohanlal Raigar said here.
These mines included cement grade lime stones 18 blocks, Silica sand and gypsum belonged to big private companies, he said.
The cancellation of mines allotment could affect gypsum and cement grade lime, he said.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje had recommended the Governor to order a Lokayukta (ombudsman) probe into the alleged mines scam involving Principal Secretary of mines Ashok Singhvi, who is in judicial custody, and seven others.
The Governor has asked the Lokayukta to inquire into the allotment of mines deed, irregularities, role of officials and fix their responsibility.
Lokayukta will also give suggestion to contain such irregularities in mines deed allotment in future.
Singhvi is among eight persons, who were arrested recently by Anti-Corruption Bureau in a case of bribery involving Rs 2.55 crore.