Srinagar, Mar 5: The Directorate of Geology and Mining in Jammu and Kashmir has directed that no payments be released to contractors or executing agencies involved in development projects unless a valid Royalty Clearance Certificate (RCC) is submitted.
The instruction was issued by Director Geology and Mining S.P. Rukwal to the Director of Accounts and Treasuries in the Finance Department following deliberations held during a review meeting on February 27, 2026.
As per the communication, multiple government departments and executing agencies have already been advised to ensure RCC compliance before processing any bills linked to works that involve the use of minor minerals. These include the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Public Works Department (R&B), Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC), BRO/GREF, Jal Shakti Department, National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Airports Authority of India (AAI), and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL).
The Directorate has now sought formal instructions from the Finance Department to all treasuries across the Union Territory to strictly enforce the rule and block payments where the required certificate is not furnished.
Officials said the step is intended to strengthen monitoring of minor mineral usage and ensure that royalty obligations are fulfilled in projects executed across Jammu and Kashmir.