JOIN USThe Committee, set to visit Karnataka between March 25 and 28, following a writ petition filed by Samaja Parivartana Samudaya, has sought details of the specific action initiated against the then chief minister and other officers, the present status of the action taken against them and whether any money had been recovered from the concerned officers and public servants.
The CEC has also asked the State government to spell out its stance if it disagreed with the observations made by the Lokayukta. The 2008 report of the Lokayukta had indicted Dharam Singh and other officials for allowing illegal mining on ‘patta’ land. The Lokayukta had said the decision had cost an estimated loss of Rs 23.22 crore to the State.
Last year, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said the State government could not take any action against Singh as former governor Rameshwar Thakur had absolved him of all charges.
Illegal mining at BHS
The CEC has also sought details and follow up action taken on the Lokayukta report that said 1081.40 hectares of forest area was encroached in the Bellary-Hospet-Sandur regions by various mining lease holders.
Details of the leases such as area approved under Mines Act, forest area included in the mining lease, forest area clearance sought under Forest Conservation Act and lease sketches have been sought.
Another issue that the CEC is looking into is the MoUs entered by State-owned Mysore Minerals Limited, and what action the government has taken with regard to the various irregularities pointed out by the Lokayukta.
* Loss of confiscated 5 lakh MT of iron ore at Belekeri
* Cabinet decision on de-reservation of iron ore blocks for private exploitation
* Action taken on raising contracts
* Details of lease offense cases
* Action taken on dispute between MSPL and SB Minerals
* CM’s statement in Assembly on year-wise details of ore permits and actual transportation
* Action taken on recommendations of Lokayukta