RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, Oct. 21: Commitment of the state government taking mining activities in Jharkhand appears perfunctory at best. So far nothing has been done which reflects its commitment to the development of mines and minerals, which has the potential to create job opportunities.
A senior retired mining official shared his feeling when contacted for his reaction a day after the Jharkhand government notified the constitution of Jharkhand Exploration and Mining Corporation Limited (JEMCL) following the decision of the cabinet on September 28.
“What will the Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation (JSMDC) do after the constitution of JEMCL as JSMDC was constituted for the same purpose for which JEMCL has been constituted,” the official questioned.
“If the government had been serious about mining it would have made an appointment for JSMDC, where not a single appointment has been made since November 2001 and everything is going there in contractual mode. Since March 31, 2020 no exploration or auction of iron ore blocks could be taken. Even Rs 100 crore which was required by the JSMDC for operation and modernisation of 10 odd coal blocks was not given and ultimately all were taken back and now put in the auction list,” the official said requesting anonymity.
“In 2014-15, auction of many coal blocks was done and the government has also paid royalty of one year but I do not think mining activities in more than two coal blocks could be started and that too became possible as it was operational before the process of auction,” the official further added.
A former employee of Geological Survey of India (GSI) echoed the retired state government official saying it appears that JEMCL has been constituted to consume NMET funds though it is not easy as the state can send only its proposal for exploration and agency is decided by the union government.
“If the government had been serious it could have cleared the land for mining purposes during the lockdown. However, let us hope for the best and prepare for the worst,” the official said
Secretary of mines and geology department Pooja Singhal could not be contacted for her comment. Mines director Sunil Pradeep Kujur refused to talk when visited his office. “I am too busy,” he said. Asked when to meet, he expressed his inability to give any time. “Can’t give you a certain time,” Kujur said.
