The Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner has informed that the State Government has introduced a Scheme of Monetary reward of an amount Rs 5000 from the Mining and Geology Department to reward the informer for providing credible information on illegal mining and/or transportation of coal.
“This scheme shall regulate the grant and payment of reward to the informants who could provide specific information on incidences of illegal mining and/or transportation of coal on the Centralized Helpline Number -1800-345-3846 (Toll Free) or to the nearby Police Station, to the person-in-charge of check gate under the DMR or to the Divisional Mining Officer or to any other competent authority in respect to incidences of illegal mining and /or transportation of coal,” the Deputy Commissioner said.
Moreover, a person will considered an informant if he furnishes the information according to the scheme and thereupon he will be granted an Informant Code and the person shall be identified with Informant Code only.
In addition, if the information is furnished by a group of informants (more than one informant working together) Informant Code shall be allotted separately to each of them and the reward payable in such cases shall be disbursed in equal proportion. The Identity of the informant, the information given by the informant including all related document/ annexure or reward paid shall not disclosed to any person or authority, it shall remain confidential except when required by law or by order of any court.
However, the information provided shall be credible and correct which should directly lead to necessary actions under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 and other legal provisions such as seizure of coal, seizure of vehicle carrying coal and filing of complaint before the competent Court. The concern officer receiving the information shall maintain confidentiality of persons furnishing information to free informant from any threats.
Additionally, the informant may not be eligible to reward under the scheme if the information given is not according to the terms and conditions of the scheme or does not relate to any significant situation of illegal mining or transportation. The reward shall not include information which is already available by the department or information given does not directly leading to discovery of illegal mining or transportation.
False information/ evidence will attract action under the relevant of the laws enforced.
