Controversial UP minister for Mining, Gyatri Prajapati was the target of Opposition parties who cutting across party lines alleged that incidents of illegal mining were on the rise in the state. The BSP and the BJP staged walkout from the Assembly over the issue on Friday.
During Qusetion Hour, the Opposition members charged that illegal mining in the state was rampant and the farmers were being harassed for legal use of mud from their agricultural land for personal use.
Defending himself, Prajapati said that the numbers of offenders have increased due to strict enforcement by Mining department for checking tax evasion. He said against the revenue target of Rs 11,000 crore in 2014-15, as much as Rs 15,000 crores was likely to be realised by the end of the peresent fiscal on March 31.
Replying to a question of BJP members, Prajapati said that after a delay and stay by the courts, the state government has issued 1,008 legal lease agreements which have earned the government revenue of Rs 600 crores. He also said that the government has allowed 10 trolley loaded mud for the farmers to be used for their personal work.
The minister said in 2014-15, the department conducted 9,930 raids in which 235 FIRs were registered and a fine of Rs 29.78 crores were realised. Similarly till December in 2015-16, around 1,016 raids were conduct and 88 FIRs were lodged.
Not satisfied with the Prajapati’s reply, the Opposition members alleged that the farmers were being exploited and the Mining officials were extorting while people were being forced to pay exorbitant prices for sand and other products.
leader of Opposition Swami Prasad Maurya alleged that the minister was trying to cover up for illegal mining. BJP leader Suresh Kumar Khanna said that the price of sand has gone up four times during the SP regime.
BJP member Satish Mahana alleged that the minister was patronizing the mining mafia and the police was giving protection to people involved in illegal mining.
Meanwhile over the issue of harassment of farmers and implicating them in false cases, Congress members staged a walkout.