Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) has demanded from the Government to withdraw the auctioning of sand ghats across the State citing it against the Constitutional provisions. Party chief Babulal Marandi on Tuesday also said that massive irregularities had taken place in handing over the minor natural resources to companies from outside Jharkhand.
“The Government has gone against its own orders and the notifications issued during the President’s Rule. The Constitution has also given right to Gram Panchayats and local bodies over minor natural resources. But this Government is auctioning sand ghats to big companies and in the process depriving poor local peoples from little income,” said Marandi.
He also critised Congress for doublespeak over the matter that, he said, had been advocating for handing over the rights to local bodies. “The Chief Minister was Finance Minister when role of Gram Panchayats for sand and other minor minerals was defined. It is surprising for us that the Government is ignoring the rights of local bodies and also making it difficult for poor people to build home. We demand immediate withdrawals of the auctioning,” said Marandi.
The party also threatened that in case the demand was not met no one would be allowed to lift sand from any river beds of the State on November 11 and12. “No outsider would be allowed to enter in sand ghats. If something untoward happens then the Government would be solely responsible for that,” added Marandi, alleging that some big deal might have taken place involving influential persons sitting in the Government and companies.