Jammu, Apr 10: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Friday said he was “shocked” to find officers, who had earlier been suspended or transferred on serious allegations, still working at the Directorate of Mining office in Jammu, and announced that an inquiry would be initiated into the matter.
Speaking to reporters DyCM Choudhary said, “I was shocked to see officers suspended by me still working at the Director Mining office Jammu. These employees were either suspended or transferred to Kashmir on serious allegations, but I found them working here.”
The Deputy Chief Minister further said that during his visit, both the Director and Joint Director were not present in the office. “I was told that the Chief Secretary had called a meeting. I will go to the Secretariat and take up the matter,” he added.
Acknowledging concerns over illegal mining, Choudhary said, “I admit that illegal mining is going on due to some officers and there are weaknesses in the department.”
He went on to allege that such activities appear to be supported internally. “It seems illegal mining is being encouraged and patronized from the Director Mining office Jammu,” he said.
Announcing further action, he said an inquiry would be ordered into the functioning of the department and the presence of such officers.
He also pointed to administrative challenges, stating, “We don’t have a state and are functioning as a Union Territory. Some officers misuse this and indulge in wrongdoing, which defames the government.”
Describing the situation at the office, he remarked that it had “become a fish market and a source of illegal mining.” (KNC)
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