New Delhi: The Supreme Court (SC) Friday granted two weeks’ time to Odisha government to submit replies on suggestions made by mining lessees regarding utilisation of funds recovered as penalty from the erring miners.
A two-judge bench of Justice Madan B Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta had adjourned the matter for two weeks.
During the hearing, the state government’s counsel sought two more weeks to file replies on suggestions related to appointment of a retired judge as the chairperson of special purpose vehicle (SPV) and utilisation of funds in mining affected areas.
The apex court, September 6, had directed the Odisha government to respond to the suggestions made by the lessees on utilisation of funds received as fine from mining companies in two weeks.
Notably, the lessees September 6 had suggested that the amount should be utilised for establishment of primary health centres, eye clinics, building infrastructure for healthcare, education, sanitation and mid-day meals in schools of the mining affected areas.
Notably, Rs 13,990 crore has so far been collected from the erring mining firms as per the SC order.
