The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly convened a meeting today at the Assembly Complex in Srinagar to review and discuss the audit paras related to the Mining and Industries & Commerce (I&C) Departments.

The meeting was chaired by PAC Chairman Sham Lal Sharma and attended by members Mubarak Gul, Javid Hassan Baig, Devinder Kumar Manyal, Sajad Shaheen and Muzaffar Iqbal Khan.

During the session, the Committee undertook a detailed examination of audit paras 2.14 (2011-12), 3.14 (2000-01), 4.10 (2003-04), and 3.13 (2015-16) pertaining to the Mining and I&C  Departments.

The Committee deliberated on the key issues including land acquisition for the Industrial Export Promotion Park at SIDCO Ompora, procurement of Broadband Seismograph and establishment of a Seismograph Observatory, construction of Zone Office Complex for Handloom at Rajouri and drawal and utilization of public funds.

The Chairman directed the concerned departments to submit a comprehensive report on the Industrial Export Promotion Park project and fix accountability where necessary.

Emphasizing the need to curb illegal mining across Jammu and Kashmir, the Chairman called for sustainable mining practices and leveraging the modern technologies to monitor and prevent illegal activities. He stressed the importance of working with a sense of duty and accountability. He directed that Action Taken Reports (ATRs) be submitted in a time-bound manner on all discussed matters.

The meeting was attended by Principal Accountant General J&K, K. P. Yadaw; Principal Secretary, Mining, Anil Kumar Singh; Commissioner Secretary I&C Department, Vikramjit Singh; Secretary I&C, Khalid Jahangir; Secretary Legislative Assembly, Manoj Kumar Pandita; Director General Accounts and Treasuries, F. A. Lone; Director, Handicrafts and Handloom; Director, Geology and Mining; MD SIDCO; Director Finance and other senior officials.

Chairman Sham Lal Sharma emphasized the PAC’s crucial role in ensuring transparency, fiscal discipline and accountability in governance. He reiterated the Committee’s mandate to scrutinize public expenditure, examine CAG audit reports, identify lapses and recommend necessary reforms.

He commended the dedication of Committee members and officials, urging them to maintain high standards of oversight and continue contributing meaningfully towards good governance and public accountability.