Bhubaneswar, March 31: The audit report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) for the year ended March 31, 2023 has revealed serious irregularities in the mining sector in Odisha, leading to substantial loss of government revenue.

One of the key findings of the report highlighted the failure to recover the cost of minerals extracted beyond the quantity permitted under environmental clearance. This lapse resulted in an undue financial benefit of ₹40.67 crore to the mining lessees, indicating weak enforcement of regulatory norms.

The audit also pointed to significant lapses in the collection of statutory dues by officials. Deputy Directors of Mines failed to raise demands towards Dead Rent amounting to ₹2.55 crore and Surface Rent of ₹93.71 lakh. This negligence led to direct loss of revenue to the state exchequer.

In addition, an interest amount of ₹90.61 crore on delayed payments—covering royalty, premium, District Mineral Foundation (DMF), National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), and Dead Rent—remained unrealised.

The report further identified administrative lapses in lease management. In a notable case, the Deputy Director of Mines at Joda did not amend a lease deed even after an increase in the production limit was approved under the mining plan. This oversight resulted in the non-levy of stamp duty and registration fees amounting to ₹122 crore.