JAMMU: Secretary Mining, Amit Sharma, today convened a comprehensive review meeting regarding the functioning of the department.
Secretary had a detailed discussion on multiple issues concerning the working of the department. He explicitly directed the officers to achieve the set financial targets in total.
The meeting was attended by O.P Bhagat, Director Geology & Mining, Vikram K.Gupta, Managing Director, J&K Minerals Limited, Joint Directors Geology & Mining, Nisar Ahmed and Harbans Langeh, Arun Kotwal, Additional Secretary, Geology & Mining Department, Aamir Rather, Deputy Secretary, Geology & Mining and District Mineral Officers.
Secretary exhorted upon the officers to leave no stone unturned for achieving the set targets. He appreciated the proactive approach adopted by the District Mineral Officers who have taken stringent measures against the habitual offenders through the constant seizure of illegal vehicles and imposing fines/penalties in almost all the districts during the last quarter of this financial year. He asked for continuing such efforts in order to curb tendencies towards illegal mining in our already e-auctioned mining blocks.
Amit Sharma was apprised by the Director G&M that a healthy e-auction amount has been realized during the ongoing e-auction of mining blocks in the Kishtwar and Jammu districts. He added that more e-bid amounts are expected to come from the remaining blocks soon.
Secretary also had a detailed discussion about the upcoming visit of the Union Mines Secretary next week in which two important issues shall be discussed regarding proposed exploration works on precious Sapphire Mines in the Padder area of Kishtwar and the e-auction of major mineral blocks in the UT in the coming months.
