Opposition National Conference, Congress, CPI(M) and independents were joined by PDP and BJP legislators in demand for immediate action against the officers who allotted 40 hectares for mining to a Chandigrah based company in violation of court and speaker’s directions. As soon as proceeding of the house started, the issue was raised by the Communist Party of India (M) Member Mohammad Yousuf Targami.He said despite clear directions from the speaker that no contract should be allotted until the committee submits its report, an order has been issued by the Geology and Mining Department in favour of a person namely Mohan Paul Singh R/o Chandigarh. The contractor was given 40 hectares for mining in Kathua in Jammu region. However, the BJP MLA from Kathua Rajiv Jasrotia immediately responded and said he too was not aware any such contract.
He said even the High Court has stayed the SRO and how can the contract was allotted, he wondered.Targami was joined by NC MLA Mohammad Akbar Lone, who heads the committee and demanded to immediate suspension and moving of privilege motion against all those involved in allotting the contract despite the clear directions from the House to keep on hold the SRO till final report from the House Committee.He said it a great disrespect to the chair and House and demanded scrapping of the contract immediately. The members, joined Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari (PDP) and Rajiv Jasrotia, (BJP) started protesting against the order. The SRO was put on hold by the Speaker after he constituted a committee following massive protests by entire opposition besides some ruling Members alleging that SRO 105 under which-non state subjects could also participate in the bidding, particularly from Punjab who will take over the mining in Jammu and Kashmir.However, the Pollution Control Board has issued NOC in utter violation of the directions of the Speaker.
Amid protests, the agitated Members demanded that a motion of Breach of Privilege against the concerned Minister besides sought his resignation and suspension of the officers responsible for violating the directions of the Chair. Intervening, Basharat Ahmad Bukhari, Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, condemned the act and endorsed the demand made by the agitated members that the officers responsible be suspended immediately. He said a fair enquiry should also be conducted into the issue.The Speaker repeatedly requested the agitated members to resume their seats, but they continued with their protest and reiterated their demand. Chander Prakash Ganga, Minister for Industries and Commerce assured the agitated Members that the officers responsible for violating the order of the Chair will be put under suspension with immediate effect.Condemning the act, the Speaker observed that the officers have taken the directions of the Chair lightly and in a casual manner and directed the concerned Minister to suspend the responsible officers and submit the Report to the House immediately after question hour. (GNS)