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The Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Narasingh Mishra today demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik accusing him of involvement in the large scale illegal mining in the state, resulting in loss to the exchequer to the tune of thousands of crores.
“The Central Empowered Committee findings says that the renewal of lease of Thakurani B mines and transfer of the same from a partnership firm to a private limited company is not permissible under the law. The state government has allowed it showing undue favour to the miner and is punishable under the Prevention of Corruption act. There is prima facie evidence against him and he should immediately resign from the post”, said Mishra.
The Supreme Court appointed central empowered committee (CEC), in its report, has blamed the Odisha government for illegal raising of ore at Thakurani mines in Keonjhar district held by Sarada Mines.
“Before the Supreme Court indicts the state government, the chief minister should step down and allow investigation by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the massive scam”, he said.
He also blamed the then steel and mines minister AU Singdeo and bureaucrats for playing key roles in renewing the lease of the Thakurani B iron ore mines in 2001.
The renewal is illegal under the MMDR (Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation) Act as it was supposed to be renewed the next day of expiry of the lease. The lease period had expired in 1964, but it was renewed only in 2001 violating the Act, Mishra pointed out.
CEC has also stated that the renewal of the mining lease by the state government was in clear violation of the MCR (mineral concession rules), 1960. The renewal in 2001 is null and void and not permissible under the law, he added.
The Congress leader demanded stringent action against the then steel and mines minister and bureaucrats involved.
Mishra alleged that the chief minister and then steel and mines minister had overruled the note of the chief secretary while clearing the mine lease renewal. “The lease transfer and renewal point to undue favour shown to the owner of Thakurani B iron ore mines”, he said.
It may be noted the then chief secretary, in his noting, had recorded, “it is well known that the mine is being operated by the Jindals. Would this not amount to a fraud?”
He emphasized that no other mine owner was shown such favours as in the case of Thakurani mines, like allowing the setting up of crusher unit within the lease area etc.
The panel in its report on illegal mining in Odisha, submitted to the apex court, felt the permission granted by the state government to the lessee for the sale of the mineral in the ROM (run of mine) form and also for the use of the crushing and screening plant located within the lease area by a third party was the root cause of all the subsequent illegalities and irregularities.The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) termed the accusations of the Congress leader as baseless.
“The CEC has not indicted any political leaders in its report, however it has pointed out some lapses in mining operations. The panel has also praised the government for taking actions against illegal mining”, said Pratap Keshari Deb, spokesperson, BJD.
Former mines minister AU Singhdeo said, “the CEC has given its report to the Supreme Court. Let the court come out with its verdict. There is no need to level baseless allegations now”.
