Shillong Dec 10: Chairman of the State Government Programme Implementation and Monitoring Committee (SGPI&MC) u Saleng A. Sangma has directed officials of the Mining and Geology to take stern action against people who illegally sell transport challans as per extant provisions of law.
Saleng held a review meeting and discussed various issues pertaining to the mining and geology department in detail, and certain recommendations were made to improve the functioning of the department.
Saleng also asked the Mining and Geology officials to furnish the list of miners or mine owners duly approved by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), and the same should be published in newspapers and on the department’s website.
Expressing grave concerns over the illegal sale of transport challans for transportation of extracted coal, Saleng also directed officers of the Mining and Geology department to furnish the list of miners/mine owners, duly approved by the NGT in newspapers and on the department’s website.
“This would help genuine miners/mine owners see the status of issue of transport challans as well as to deter non miners/mine owners to take advantage of the system & illegally sell the transport challan at rates, much higher than the approved rates by the NGT,†Saleng told reporters after the review meeting.
According to Saleng, there are vested interests who are making money out of the selling of transport challans by selling it to other individuals including those people whose coal is yet to be assessed.
He also directed the Mining and Geology officials to take stern action against such people who illegally sell the transport challan, as per extant provisions of the law.
Saleng also wanted concrete action plan on usage of the District Mineral Fund (DMF) sanctioned at Rs. 23 crore for welfare and development activities for affected people in the mining areas.
“The Mining and Geology department needs to be strengthened to carry out their enforcement duties effectively, and plug leakages of revenue in the State,†he said.
