Demands for Independent Audit of Mining Royalty and Govt Revenue in DFCCIL & NHAI Projects, Plea to Agencies for Investigation

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New Delhi: Questions are being raised regarding the validity of construction materials and the payment of mining royalty in the massive highway and rail corridor construction works underway across the country. Amidst this critical public interest issue, a strong demand has been raised to conduct an Independent Audit of the mining and royalty revenue received by the respective states in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Gujarat for various projects involving materials such as soil, blanketing material, GSB, WMM, railway ballast, stone aggregates, and gravel.
 
The primary objective of this initiative is not to accuse any individual, contractor, or institution without verified proof, but to ensure complete transparency, accountability, and the robust protection of public money in these nation-building projects.

Key Issues for Investigation

Under this demand raised by various public interest forums and experts, the necessity for thorough investigation and record-matching has been emphasized on the following main points:

  1. Approved Quantity vs. Actual Consumption: Detailed accounts of the approved quantity, actual consumption, and total supply of construction materials delivered to the respective project sites.
  2. Legal Compliance and Transit Passes: Availability of valid records for mining royalty, e-ravannas, and transit passes wherever legally required.
  3. Cross-Verification of Documents: Matching contractors’ bills, material supply documentation, and official records from the respective state mining departments.
  4. Signs of Revenue Loss: Indications of illegal mining or shortfalls in royalty payments resulting in potential losses to the state exchequer in any specific project.
  5. Responsibility and Recovery: If any irregularities or lapses are proven during the investigation, accountability should be fixed and recoveries and legal actions taken as per the rules.

Appeal to Major Investigating Agencies and Governments

For a fair and transparent review of the entire matter, appeals have been made to top national institutions and concerned state governments to take serious steps:

  • CVC (Central Vigilance Commission): Ensure investigation or appropriate monitoring of cases falling within its statutory jurisdiction.
  • CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation): Consider investigating related allegations upon finding sufficient basis, subject to its jurisdiction and applicable legal requirements.
  • Chief Ministers of Concerned States (Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Gujarat): Order high-level reviews of the status of mining and royalty revenue through respective departments.
  • State Mining Departments and Anti-Corruption Bureaus: Independently investigate mining permissions, transport documents, royalty payments, and potential revenue losses.
  • CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) and Audit Authorities: Review public revenue and infrastructure project records in accordance with their statutory jurisdiction.
  • Project Agencies (DFCCIL, IRCON, RVNL, Railways, and NHAI): Conduct internal and independent audits of material supply, quality, billing, and compliance records under applicable rules.

Core Demand in Public Interest

The fundamental objective of this campaign is to ensure that alongside the development of the nation’s infrastructure, state government mining revenues are fully protected. In the public interest, it is demanded that project-wise verification of the total quantity of construction materials, valid sources, and deposited royalties be conducted, and findings made public in accordance with the law.

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