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Business
CAG uncovers ₹1,210 crore mining irregularities in Odisha amid MMDR debate
✍️ Business Standard
🗓 05 Oct 2026, 01:36 AM
👁 10
The Comptroller and Auditor General has reported mining irregularities worth ₹1,210 crore in Odisha, raising concerns as the state debates the Mineral Mining and Development Regulation.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has flagged mining irregularities amounting to approximately ₹1,210 crore in the eastern state of Odisha. The audit findings point to discrepancies in lease allocations, royalty payments and compliance with existing mining norms.
The revelations come at a time when Odisha's legislature is engaged in a heated debate over the proposed Mineral Mining and Development Regulation (MMDR) bill, which seeks to overhaul the state's mining policy framework.
State officials have said they will examine the CAG report in detail and take corrective action where necessary. Industry representatives, however, warned that abrupt policy shifts could affect ongoing projects and investment confidence.
The CAG has recommended a thorough review of all mining contracts and stricter monitoring mechanisms to prevent future financial leakages. The audit report is expected to be tabled in the state assembly in the coming weeks.
The revelations come at a time when Odisha's legislature is engaged in a heated debate over the proposed Mineral Mining and Development Regulation (MMDR) bill, which seeks to overhaul the state's mining policy framework.
State officials have said they will examine the CAG report in detail and take corrective action where necessary. Industry representatives, however, warned that abrupt policy shifts could affect ongoing projects and investment confidence.
The CAG has recommended a thorough review of all mining contracts and stricter monitoring mechanisms to prevent future financial leakages. The audit report is expected to be tabled in the state assembly in the coming weeks.