AP panels to probe OMC deals

 
The reported irregularities include illegal mining undertaken by the OMC in pieces of land not leased to it.

The government has already served a notice on the firm. One committee comprises officials of the forest department. The other will have officials of the industries department.  The committees will investigate the allegations that the OMC has been mining iron ore in Anantapur district in violation of forest and environment laws and also by flouting lease terms and conditions. The panels have been asked to submit their reports in 10 days.

Meanwhile, the Telugu Desam Party and left parties have urged the government to restrain the “mining mafia” from“controlling politics” not only in Karnataka but also in Andhra Pradesh. They said time has come to save democracy from the clutches of the “mining mafia.”

CPI general Secretary A B Bardhan said the “mafia” is eating into the vitals of democracy and various state-owned mines.

There will be no control on the mafia’s power if it is granted mining rights, thus adding money power to its muscle power. The CPI will oppose the Bill on Mining Regulation that has been pending in Parliament since long.