Pir Panjal Contractors Association Questions Royalty Clearance Order, Seeks Relief for Small Contractors

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RAJOURI MARCH 06:-The Pir Panjal Contractors Association has expressed serious concern over the recent directives issued by the Directorate of Geology and Mining, Jammu & Kashmir, making the Royalty Clearance Certificate (RCC) mandatory for the release of payments through treasuries and directing strict enforcement against illegal extraction and transportation of minerals.

President of the Association, Shafqat Wani, said that while the association fully supports strong action against illegal mining and firmly stands for the protection of natural resources and government revenue, the present implementation of the order may create serious challenges for contractors and development works on the ground.

He stated that linking the release of payments to the submission of an RCC could lead to delays in clearing bills of contractors and executing agencies. Such delays, he warned, would place small contractors, transporters and daily wage labourers under financial stress as they rely heavily on timely payments for their livelihood.

Wani further pointed out that the pending clearance of several mineral blocks across different districts has already affected the availability of construction material. He said that taking strict action against stone crushing units without first addressing these pending clearances may further disrupt the supply chain and slow down ongoing infrastructure projects across Jammu & Kashmir.

“Regulation is necessary, but governance must also take into account the ground realities. When mineral blocks are awaiting clearance and construction material is scarce, how can development projects continue smoothly?” Wani questioned.

The association demanded immediate clearance of pending mineral blocks to ensure uninterrupted supply of construction material. It also called for a transparent and time-bound mechanism for issuing Royalty Clearance Certificates so that genuine contractors and stone crushing units do not face unnecessary hurdles.

The Association further urged the government to introduce safeguards to prevent harassment of legitimate businesses and to ensure that payments for completed works are not held up due to administrative bottlenecks.

Wani emphasized that environmental protection and regulation of mineral resources are important, but these measures should not come at the cost of development and livelihoods. He noted that delays in payments could severely affect hundreds of small contractors and workers engaged in development projects across the Pir Panjal region.

The Pir Panjal Contractors Association appealed to the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to review the issue and adopt a balanced, transparent and consultative approach so that enforcement measures against illegal mining continue while ensuring that development works and the livelihoods of small contractors are not adversely affected.