In the backdrop of the mining scam in Odisha when almost every miner has come under the scrutiny of one or the other investigating agency, the Jajang mines in Keonjhar district has been singled out for no substantial action.
It appears the lessee of this particular mine is trying to get out of the scam by influencing concerned officials. Strangely, even after the indictment by the State’s Vigilance and Forest Departments, the CEC and even the Justice MB Shah Commission, the Department of Mines is not prepared to pay any attention to this issue. The Jajang iron ore mines are located in the Joda mining circle. In 2009; the Vigilance department had investigated into the company’s alleged illegal mining and the violation of forest rules had come to light. The company was also found guilty of encroaching beyond its leased area.
Cases have been filed against the lessee and the officers who had favoured the company. The Shah Commission too found mining rule violations by the company. The CEC in its report has also indicted the group. Because of excessive mining by the company and violation of relevant rules, there has been a loss to the State exchequer amounting to hundreds of crores of rupees, but only Rs 242.96 crore has been imposed as penalty. Not only that, the company has been allowed to mine ore when all other mining companies have been shut down.
It is reported that State Government officials are protecting the company without any valid reason. Taking advantage of the deadlock in mining operations of other companies in the Joda circle, the Jajang mines has been exploiting the ore to the hilt. What is worrying is that the iron ore is being sold by the company in the open market. This company has grabbed as many as 16 leases in the name of its family members. It is alleged that the owner has been able to manipulate the leases due to his influence in the corridors of power.
Knowledgeable circles say that after the company came under the scanner and has been fined its lease should have been cancelled. The mining rules also say so. Far from doing that, the concerned officials are supporting the company to carry out illegal mining.