Overcharging for minor mineral by crusher owners
Excelsior Correspondent
KHOUR, Oct 1: The members of tractor trolley operators and farmers under the banner of Kissan Tractor Union held strong protest outside SDM office Khour against overcharging of mineral material and harassment by police to the local tractor trolley operators.
The protest was led by president Ravi Singh and general secretary Ankush Choudhary. Scores of tractor trolley operators/owners assembled in front of the office of Sub Divisional Magistrate Khour and raised loud slogans against Administration and also against the Geology and Mining Department. They were alleging that stone crusher owners/ operators were overcharging from them and local police was also harassing to the tractor trolley operators.
SDM Khour called on a meeting of association leaders and concerning officials including District Mineral Officer Gulshan Kumar, SDPO Akhnoor Mohan Sharma, SHO Rattan Singh Rana, Tehsildar Khour Monika Sharma, Tehsildar Kharah Balli to sort out the problems being faced by Kissan Tractor Union Khour.
Leaders of the Union apprised the officials regarding the problems faced by the tractor trolley operators and locals of both Tehsils. They alleged that Lease holders of Government Mining Blocks and crusher owners were overcharging than the rates fixed by the government. Officials listened to their grievances and assured that they will sort out their issues.
Speaking on the occasion Ankush Choudhary said that crusher owners are charging much more than the rates fixed by the government. He said crusher owners are charging Rs 2200 for 100 sft for Bajri whereas its rate fixed by the government is Rs1500. Similarly, they are charging Rs 1800 for 100 sqft dust whereas the rate fixed by the government is Rs 1250. He allege that Lease holders of government mining blocks are also overcharging and they are taking Rs 600 for sand whereas rates fixed by the government is Rs 400. He lambasted the G&M department and all other concerning officials who failed to check the loot of lease holders and crusher owners.