RTI CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1

Introduction

The object for preparation of this handbook is to give an idea of transparency, accountability and openness in Government Administration under Right to Information Act, 2005. This information handbook pertains to Mines, Minerals & Geology Department sets out the obligation of Public Authorities concerned under Section 4 (1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Who are the intended users of this handbook? All citizens, civil society organization, public representatives, officers and employees of public authorities including Public Information Officers and Assistant Public Information Officer and Appellate Authorities, Central and State Information Commission etc.

Function and Duties:
1. Control and conservation of entire Mining and Geological activities in the State.
2. Regulation and Development of the major minerals according to National Minerals Conservation Policy.
3. Grant of Certificates of Approval, Prospecting Licenses, Mining Leases for the exploration and exploitation of various major minerals.
4. Levying and collection of royalties on major minerals.

5. (i) Identification of unstable areas in collaboration with other concerned department suggestion of remedial measures thereof.
(ii) Chemical and Bacteriological studies and examination of water for public use.
(iii) Chemical and Bacteriological test and examination of food and other items with respect to adulteration.
(iv) To investigate for and develop mineral water resources for public benefit.
(v) To install seismograph station and compile seismic data.
(vi) To carry out geo-technical studies of flood behavior of the two major river systems of Teesta and Rangit rivers of Sikkim.

Secretary:
The Secretary of the State Mines, Minerals & Geology Department functions as the Head of the Department and is responsible for overseeing that the policies of the government is implemented in its letter and spirit. She accords approval and sanction to all proposals as per the power delegated under the Sikkim Finance Rule. Besides that she exercises administrative powers as prescribed under the rules.

Principal Director:
Function and duties acts as the head of office and looks after all works pertaining to administration, Geological, Mining, Laboratory & Accounts Section.

Director :
Director is the overall incharge of administration, Geological, Mining, Accounts & Laboratory Section. He also acts as the vigilance officer for the Department.

Additional Director (I) is designated as the Managing Director of Sikkim Mining Corporation of the Sikkim Mining Corporation and holds the charge of SMC affairs.

Additional Director (II) :
Looks after the administration, accounts, lab section and all field activities of the Department, all matters pertaining to Govt. of India.

Under Secretary:
Under Secretary initiates all proposals pertaining to administration as well as general works. She assists Jt. Secretary. She is appointed as Asstt. Public Information Officer of the department and she is also appointed as Record Officer of the Department.

Office Superintendent:
The main responsibility is to supervise that all files and papers are timely put up by the subordinate staffs and to forward the same to the next higher officer with his details notes/comments/suggestion duly quoting relevant rules and instruction of the Government as quickly as possible.

Sr. Accountant:
Sr. Accountant is responsible for timely preparation of all bills, maintenance of proper accounts/cash book, vouchers and to supervise his subordinate staffs.

Jr. Accountant:
Jr. Accountant is responsible for timely preparation of all bills, maintenance of proper accounts/cash book, vouchers.

Dealing clerk of the particular section of the department submits the case to the Office Superintendent/concerned officer in the relevant file of the concerned matter alongwith the reference papers, relevant circular precedent book etc. The office superintendent/concerned officer after scrutinizing the note of the dealing clerk! Assistant submits a comprehensive note with his comments/suggestion if any to the section Head or whosoever on the charge. The sectional head examines the case thoroughly in accordance with the Government Rules/departmental instructions as may be issued from time to time and submits notes/views/observations to the next higher authority i.e. Director who in his turn also examines the case and forwards the same to the Secretary of the department with his view/comments/advice on the matter. The Secretary after going through the full notes/proposal either makes decision or forwards the same to the Minister- Incharge for approval and cases requiring policy decision are forwarded to the Chief Minister through Chief Secretary.

For smooth and better function of the department general instructio are being issued and advices are taken from all officers and field executives through monthly departmental coordination meetings and if necessary internal orders are also issued.

RULES, REGULATION, INSTRUCTION, MANUAL AND RECORDS FOR DISCHARGING FUNCTIONS.
SECTION 4(1) (B) V

CATEGORIES OF DOCUMENTS HELD BY THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY UNDER ITS CONTROL
SECTION 4 (1) B VI

DIRECTORY OFFICERS & EMPLOYEES
SECTION 4(1) B (IX)

DETAILS OF REGULAR MUSTER ROLL EMPLOYEES
NAME OF THE DEPARTMENT: MINES, MINERALS & GEOLOGY DEPARTMENT