Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, Mar 5:
The Directorate of Geology & Mining, Jammu and Kashmir, has directed all treasuries across the Union Territory not to release payments to contractors or executing agencies involved in developmental works unless a valid Royalty Clearance Certificate (RCC) is produced.
According to an official communication issued by Director Geology & Mining S.P. Rukwal, JKAS, the directive has been sent to the Director, Accounts & Treasuries, Finance Department. The order follows instructions issued during a review meeting held on February 27, 2026.
The letter states that several departments and agencies—including NHAI, PMGSY, PWD (R&B), I&FC, BRO/GREF, Jal Shakti Department, NHIDCL, Airports Authority of India and KRCL—have already been instructed not to release payments to firms or contractors for works involving consumption of minor minerals unless the RCC is obtained from the Geology & Mining Department.
The Directorate has now requested the Finance Department to issue necessary directions to all treasuries of Jammu and Kashmir to strictly ensure that no payment is processed in favour of any agency or contractor without the mandatory Royalty Clearance Certificate.
The move aims to ensure proper regulation of minor mineral extraction and royalty compliance in developmental projects across the Union Territory.(KNC)