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 ordered into the matter.
Speaking after a visit to the office, Choudhary said that some employees who were either suspended or shifted to Kashmir in connection with allegations were found working in the Jammu office.
“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,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister 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 said.
Choudhary acknowledged concerns related to illegal mining in the region and attributed it to lapses within the department. “I admit that illegal mining is going on due to some officers and there are weaknesses in the department,” he said.
He further alleged that illegal mining appeared to be receiving encouragement from within the Directorate office. “It seems illegal mining is being encouraged and patronized from the Director Mining office Jammu,” he said.
Announcing further action, the Deputy Chief Minister said he would order an inquiry into the functioning of the department and the presence of such officers.
He also commented on administrative challenges, stating that some officers take undue advantage of the current system. “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,” he said.
Describing the situation at the Directorate office, Choudhary said it had “become a fish market and a source of illegal mining.” [KNT]
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