Surinder Choudhary, who serves as Jammu and Kashmir’s Deputy Chief Minister and oversees the Mining Department, has criticized the Director of Geology and Mining for keeping officials in place despite their suspension or reassignment. He has requested a formal investigation into the matter.
During a media interaction following his inspection of the directorate, Choudhary—who also manages Public Works (Roads and Buildings), Industries and Commerce, Labor and Employment, and Skill Development—stated he was surprised to discover personnel facing grave accusations continuing their duties. He further claimed the department, under his jurisdiction, operates chaotically and supports unauthorized mining operations.
Choudhary remarked that the directorate appears to promote and protect illegal mining activities from within its Jammu office. He noted that both the director and joint director were absent during his visit, as they were attending a session with the chief secretary at the civil secretariat. He plans to summon them at the secretariat to question why these officials remain employed there.
