Mangaluru
The Stone Quarry and Stone Crusher Owners’ Associations of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have announced an indefinite strike from September 18, demanding an end to the dual system of royalty collection and implementation of a clear, uniform single-point royalty policy.
The associations said royalty is currently collected from quarry and lease owners for extraction of minor minerals. At the same time, royalty is also deducted when the same mineral material is utilised in works undertaken by government departments, including the Public Works Department (PWD), Water Resources Department and other agencies. They said this amounts to royalty being collected at two stages for the same material.
The associations demanded that royalty should be collected only once, either from the mine or quarry lease owner or at the end-user or concerned government department stage. They urged the government to discontinue dual collection and introduce a transparent and uniform mechanism applicable across all departments.
According to the associations, the existing system has increased operational costs and placed additional financial pressure on the quarry and crusher industry, particularly small and medium-sized operators. They also pointed to differences in royalty deductions among government departments, which they said have created uncertainty and operational difficulties.
The associations said they had made repeated representations to the government seeking a permanent resolution, but the issue remains unresolved. Consequently, quarrying, crushing and related supply activities in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts will remain suspended indefinitely from September 18.
They clarified that the agitation is not directed against any individual, department or authority, but is aimed at securing a fair, lawful and uniform royalty collection mechanism.
The associations appealed to the government to stop dual royalty collection, standardise rules across departments, review the existing mechanism and convene an urgent meeting with industry representatives to find a permanent solution.