Panaji: Goa government on Monday suspended
Director of Mines, Arvind Lolienkar, from services for his
alleged involvement in the illegal mining scam, pending
enquiry.
The suspension order was issued this evening.
The government has also cancelled the extension granted
to Senior Geologist Hector Fernandes.
Prasanna Acharya, holding additional charge as south
district collector has been appointed in place of Lolienkar.
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said that Lolienkar
was found involved in illegalities during the primary enquiry
conducted against him, leading to his suspension.
Parrikar, who also holds mines portfolio, said that the
Director had no control over the department or perhaps, he was
purposely not exercising control so as to allow illegalities.
The chief minister said that there were many complaints
of serious nature against the director. The state government
has decided to enquire in-depth in the illegalities by either
having a committee or through an independent officer.
"My job is to initiate the enquiry. Let the enquiry
decide whether he is really guilty or not," Parrikar said.
Meanwhile, Parrikar-led government today held an
important meeting along with the mining companies officials to
work out ways for eradicating illegal mining in the state.
Accordingly, the newly appointed Director of Mines
Prasanna Acharya has been asked to issue show cause notices to
all the 410 traders operating in the mining sector.
Government is likely to come out with a policy that would
allow only those traders who have a tie-up with the mining
companies to export ore from the state.
Welcoming the move, the industry players said this order
would automatically weed out fly-by-night traders.
PTI
