MANDATE CORRESPONDENTJAMMU, JUNE 13A wave of serious allegations hasengulfed the Geology & MiningDepartment of Jammu andKashmir, with rising voices accusing the Director of deliberatelystalling the issuance of e-auctionedmining leases in Jammu district.Despite the fact that applicantshave completed all legal and procedural formalities, the leases remaininexplicably pending, triggeringconcerns of administrative bias anda potential lack of transparency.Applicants who have successfullycleared every regulatory checkpointincluding approved Mining Plans,Environmental Clearances (ECs),Consent to Operate (CTO), NOCsfrom concerned departments, andfull payment of bid amounts-arenow left in limbo.Their frustration is compoundedby the financial losses incurred andthe ripple effect on crucial development works that rely on consistentmineral supply.”This is not just negligence – itreeks of a calculated plan to benefita select few,” alleged one of theaggrieved contractors, preferringanonymity.”We have invested crores and followed every rule. Still, our files gather dust while developmental worksare suffering. This is Andher Nagri,Chaupat Raja.”The delay has cast a shadow over various public infrastructure projects – including roads, bridges, andother construction activities – all ofwhich are heavily dependent ontimely mineral extraction and supply. Contractors claim that the haltin lease approvals is stalling theseprojects, hampering economicprogress in the region.As murmurs of favoritism, redtapism, and deliberate obstructiongrow louder, so does the demand fora high-level probe. Stakeholdersand members of civil society arecalling for immediate interventionby the Union Territory administration to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure accountability atthe highest levels.”What kind of message are wesending to genuine investors?”asked another contractor. “Peoplefollowed the law, trusted the system, and made huge investments -only to be left at the mercy ofbureaucratic silence. This isn’t justmismanagement; it’s a betrayal ofpublic trust.”The situation has fueled speculation that the delay may be a tactic tobenefit certain preferred parties,sidelining those who have abided bythe rules. Such actions not onlydamage the credibility of the department but also raise uncomfortablequestions about governance andfairness in public dealings.With the department yet to issuean official response, public pressurecontinues to mount. Developmentalprogress is on hold, trust is eroding,and the silence from decision-makers is only fanning the flames ofsuspicion.