| News Details |
| RTI Activist Balvinder Singh Demands Transparency in River-Bed Material Pricing | |
Jammu, February 13 (Scoop News)- S. Balvinder Singh, a well-known RTI and social activist of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, has strongly condemned the inaction of the Department of Geology & Mining for failing to publicly display the approved rate list of river-bed materials meant for public purchase.
Mr. Singh stated that the Government is legally and morally obligated to ensure transparency in the pricing mechanism of natural resources. Singhurged to department to Kindly publish the rate of river bed material at site and F.O.R. destination, inclusive of royalty. He emphasized that the notified rates, must be published in cubic feet/volume measurements instead of weight, as volumetric measurement is easily understandable to consumers and prevents arbitrary interpretation.
He further alleged that, in the absence of a clearly notified and prominently displayed rate schedule, most building material suppliers and crusher owners are charging prices at their own discretion, resulting in exploitation of consumers, particularly economically weaker sections. This practice, he said, amounts to unfair trade and administrative negligence.
Mr. Singh observed that due to unchecked pricing, it has become extremely difficult for poor families to construct even a modest dwelling. He asserted that citizens have a fundamental right to information and fair access to natural resources at government-approved rates, and the authorities must ensure strict compliance.
Mr. Singh expressed concern that no political representative has raised this significant public issue. He stated that it has come to light that several crusher units are reportedly owned by sitting MLAs and their relatives, which may explain the prevailing silence on the matter, thereby leaving the common public, particularly the poor, uninformed and disadvantaged.
He demanded that the Department of Geology & Mining immediately:
Publish and prominently display the approved rates of all river-bed materials at quarry sites, crusher units and official websites, Notify prices strictly in volumetric units (cubic feet/cubic meter), Establish a monitoring and enforcement mechanism to prevent over-charging.
He warned that failure to ensure transparency may compel him to seek appropriate legal remedies before competent authorities.
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