Bhubaneswar: While the Odisha Government is claiming that private miners in the state are agreed for proposed e-auction of minerals; miners on the other hand have continued their opposition on the issue.
Society of Geo scientists & Allied Technocrats (SGAT) is a body representing geo-scientists. Miners have expressed its view against the e-auction. SGAT said that the proposal of e-auction is clearly flawed and will not benefit the state government, mining lessees or mineral industry.
Dr SK Sarangi, President of SGAT said that the procedure of e-auction is neither provided in MMDR Act nor in rules made thereafter. The proposed e-auction will be undertaken by MSTC, a third party. This is not permitted under the mining lease deed executed between the state government and lessees. Also, assessment of royalty cannot be based on e-auction by overriding present system of assessment.
He further added that proposal will lead to serious legal, operational & administrative problems and will adversely affect the Iron & Steel industry.
Eastern Zone Mining Association (EZMA) also opposes the e-auction.It may be noted that the state government has approached the CEC (Central Empowered Committee) for clearance of e-auction procedure.
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