Karnataka govt orders probe into alleged NMDC iron ore smuggling
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Wednesday ordered an investigation into the alleged illegal transportation of iron ore linked to the centrally-owned NMDC and directed officials to submit a report within seven days.
Khandre instructed the department’s Additional Chief Secretary and the Head of the Forest Force to constitute a three-member inquiry committee headed by an Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to investigate the matter and furnish its findings within a week.
“I have ordered an investigation into the alleged illegal transportation of iron ore from the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) and directed that a report be submitted,” the minister said in a statement.
Clarifying the scope of the inquiry, Khandre said the team has been asked to ascertain whether iron ore was illegally transported from forest areas and whether any rules were violated in the process.
He also cited media reports quoting the district Superintendent of Police as stating that around 2,500 tonnes of iron ore had been seized based on information provided by the accused lorry driver.
The minister emphasised that the probe would examine all aspects of the case and determine if there had been any breach of forest and environmental regulations.
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Min. Priyank Kharge to expresses concern over implementation of VB-G Ram G
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the proposed VB-G Ram G scheme, stating that the MNREGA programme, which has been a lifeline for rural India for nearly two decades, appears to be facing an uncertain future.
Speaking to media, Kharge said that as March 31 draws to a close, there is no clarity on the rollout of the new scheme from April 1. He pointed out that the central government has not yet issued the necessary guidelines for implementing the scheme for rural workers and villages.
He criticised the Centre for its lack of preparedness, stating that there is no clarity on fund allocation, no final parameters for classifying gram panchayats, and key processes such as social audits have not been defined.
Kharge said the situation comes at a critical time, as summer marks a peak period for rural employment demand, when many people depend heavily on wage employment for their livelihood.
He added that reports have emerged of delays in approvals and families not receiving work despite demand.
He further alleged that the Centre’s move to shift from a statutory employment guarantee to a rule-based allocation system is already showing negative consequences.
Kharge also raised concerns over provisions such as a mandatory 60-day halt during agricultural seasons, which he said would further limit employment opportunities for rural workers.
The BJP-led central government had claimed that the new scheme would transform rural India, but in reality it is turning out to be detrimental to people’s livelihoods, he said.
“The crisis in rural India due to the stalling of MNREGA is beginning to unfold. Given the Centre’s past record in handling such situations, there is growing concern over the impact on rural livelihoods,” Kharge said.
