Patna: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Mines & Geology, Vijay Kumar Sinha, chaired a high-level review meeting of the Mines & Geology Department today to assess ongoing departmental operations and ensure strict compliance with revenue targets. The meeting was attended by senior officials including Secretary Devesh Sehra, Director Manesh Kumar Meena, Additional Secretary Bharat Bhushan Prasad, Assistant Directors, District Mining Officers, and other departmental officials.
Revenue Targets and Rapid Action Across Districts
Deputy CM Sinha emphasized that all districts must ensure 100% achievement of revenue collection targets without compromise. He instructed a separate review of underperforming districts such as Patna, Rohtas, Aurangabad, and Gaya. A three-day action plan was mandated to ensure that revenue collection goals are met promptly. He also clarified that no irregularities related to consolidated mining fees from brick kilns would be tolerated under any circumstances.
Strict Measures Against Irregularities and Illegal Mining
Highlighting severe lapses in monitoring and illegal mining activities, the Deputy CM ordered the suspension of the Mining Inspector in Darbhanga following a detailed review of allegations. District officials found negligent or colluding with illegal mining operations are to face strict disciplinary action. Separate meetings with all mining inspectors have been directed to reinforce accountability at the district level.
Deployment of Police for Enforcement
To strengthen enforcement against illegal mining, transportation, and storage of minerals, the Mines & Geology Department will request the Home Department to deploy 400 police personnel across the state. Departments are instructed to report non-cooperative police stations, and CCTV cameras will be installed along routes leading to sand depots. Immediate auction of unlicensed sand sites and disposal of seized sand within 15 days have been mandated.
Identification and Welfare Measures for Workers
The department has also decided to issue identity cards to all workers at brick kilns and sand depots, ensuring that they receive employment-related benefits.
Awareness Campaigns on Mineral Storage Licenses
In a bid to raise awareness about legal mineral storage and compliance, special awareness camps are scheduled on December 29 and January 16, led by the Mines & Geology Department.
Deputy CM’s Commitment to Transparent and Legal Resource Management
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha reiterated that Bihar’s mineral resources will be exploited in a fully legal, transparent, and public-oriented manner. He emphasized that negligence or collusion at any level will not be tolerated and that strict accountability mechanisms are in place to safeguard the state’s resources.
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