CEC issues new guidelines on assessment of undisposed stock of ore

11 December 2017

The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) appointed by the Supreme Court has sent guidelines to chief secretary A P Padhi on assessment of undisposed stock of iron/manganese ore lying at various mining yards.

As the state government had slapped demand notices worth Rs 17,576 crore against 137 lessees on the basis of the August 2 Supreme Court order, the lessees moved the apex court objecting demand notice for undisposed or balance stock of ore.

The CEC as directed by the apex court on November 22 had conducted personal hearing of the lessees on November 28-29 in New Delhi in presence of state government officials. The guidelines were issued on the basis of the personal hearing.

Since the undisposed stock of unlawfully collected ore belongs to the government, the lessees may not have to pay compensation according to the August 2 apex court directed, said an official source.

According to sources in the steel and mines department would seek report from the lessees regarding status of the undisposed/balance stock of ore. “On the basis of their report, we would conduct field verification to know the status of the undisposed stock of ore. Subsequently, we would issue revised demand notice to the lessees,” said an official of the department requesting anonymity.

Source: TOI