Bhubaneswar: The state has not taken action against any govt official on the basis of MB Shah commission inquiry into the mining scam, steel and mines minister Bibhuti Jena told the assembly on Thursday.
The Shah commission, constituted by the Centre on Nov 22, 2010 to inquire into the alleged illegal mining in the state, had recommended for inquiry into the illegal mining in Odisha by a special investigation team (SIT) or CBI and had made a series of recommendations, including action against erring officials.The minister said the Supreme Court in its judgment on Aug 2, 2017 did not consider it expedient for investigation or inquiry by the CBI for the reason that “what is of immediate concern is to learn lessons from the past so that rapacious mining operations are not repeated in any other part of the country.”
Pursuant to the judgement, the govt recovered Rs 15,561.69 crore for illegal and excess mining from the miners but did not take action against the officials, the minister told the assembly in a written reply.
As per Memorandum of Action taken on first report on illegal mining or iron and manganese ores in the state of Odisha, available in the website of Ministry of Mines, the commission had observed that during 2008 to 2011, there was a collapse of govt machinery, which looked to be ineffective and helpless in front of mining mafia, persons in political life, mighty lessees and some corrupt officials.
The commission had recommended the state govt to take action as per law against all officers of district level belonging to mines, forest and revenue departments as well as Odisha State Pollution Control Board.

We also published the following articles recently