In Jammu and Kashmir, the Directorate of Geology & Mining has directed all treasuries across the Union Territory not to release payments to contractors or executing agencies involved in development projects unless a valid Royalty Clearance Certificate (RCC) is produced. An Akashvani Jammu correspondent reports that, according to an official communication issued by the Director of Geology & Mining, the directive has been sent to the Director, Accounts & Treasuries, Finance Department. This order follows instructions issued during a review meeting held on February 27, 2026. The letter states that several departments and agencies, including NHAI, PMGSY, PWD (R&B), I&FC, BRO/GREF, Jal Shakti Department, NHIDCL, Airports Authority of India, and KRCL, have already been instructed not to release payments to firms or contractors for projects involving the use of minor minerals unless the RCC is obtained from the Geology & Mining Department. The Directorate has now requested the Finance Department to issue necessary directions to all treasuries in J&K to strictly ensure that no payment is processed in favor of any agency or contractor without the mandatory Royalty Clearance Certificate. This move aims to ensure proper regulation of minor mineral extraction and royalty compliance in development projects across the Union Territory.
