The allegations regarding mining scams in Joda DDM region have led to Vigilance raids and subsequent suspension and arrest of some Mining department officials and mine mafia.
However, the mining scams have been going on unabatedly under Koida DDM region, in which many mining officials are actively or passively involved and are still eluding the Vigilance net and roaming scot-free, either due to the leniency shown by the investigating agency or the blessings of their higher-ups. Hence, the locals have demanded the Vigilance to initiate inquiry against them too.
It is alleged that under the Koida mining division, companies like Jindal, National Enterprisers, Penguin Trading have exported iron ores to other States by exploring their lease areas causing heavy revenue losses to the public exchequer.
Although the illegal practices are flourishing under the nose of the Mines officials of Koida, instead of taking action against the scamsters they were brushing the matter under the carpet.
It is further alleged that the reason behind showing favour to the companies is the quid pro quo between the Mines staff and the companies who have offered jobs to the children of these officials.
In the past, iron ore was being explored from Manganese mines of the Odisha Manganese and Minerals Company at Patamunda though lease permission was only for excavating the Manganese ores and not the iron ores. As a result, iron ores were seized.
But now the seized iron ores are missing from the spot and locals allege that the metals have been transported with fake transit pass (TP). In this case, connivance of Mines officials cannot be ruled out.
So, like the Joda DDM region, probe should be ordered here too. Also, to establish transparency in governance, the Government should take stringent steps to bring the facts to fore. Investigation through an independent agency will expose the illegal nexus between the mining companies and Mines officials and ultimately bring the culprits to book, believe the people.