Bengaluru: In a significant move to crack down on illegal mining and associated criminal proceeds, the Karnataka Government has appointed retired IAS officer G V Krishna Rao, former Additional Chief Secretary, as the Recovery Commissioner under the newly enacted law aimed at targeting proceeds from unlawful mining activities.
The appointment has been made under The Karnataka Appointment of Recovery Commissioners for Seizure and Confiscation of Property arising from Illegal Mining and Proceeds of Crime Act, 2025, according to a government order issued by the Commerce and Industries Department (Mines).
Sweeping Powers to Recover Illegal Gains
The Act empowers the State Government to appoint a Recovery Commissioner, not below the rank of Additional Chief Secretary (serving or retired), to confiscate, forfeit, and attach properties derived from:
- Illegal mining activities
- Organised crime
- Criminal proceeds
G V Krishna Rao’s appointment signals the state’s intent to implement this law robustly, targeting those who have illegally amassed wealth by exploiting Karnataka’s mineral resources.
Read also: Karnataka: Siddaramaiah Govt Transfers 3 IAS Officers; Sivakumar K.B. Gets Additional Charge of BMTC
Pay and Terms of Appointment Finalised
In a related notification, the state government also finalised the pay structure and service terms for Krishna Rao. He will draw a monthly salary of ₹2,95,256, which includes:
- ₹1,04,006 as basic pay
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA),
based on his last drawn pay of ₹2,25,000 as a serving officer.
A Step Towards Accountability in the Mining Sector
Karnataka has long battled issues stemming from illegal mining, which has led to massive revenue losses and environmental degradation. The introduction of this new law, along with the appointment of a dedicated Recovery Commissioner, marks a strong institutional response to restore accountability and ensure recovery of state assets from offenders.
The government’s decision is expected to send a strong deterrent message to those engaged in illegal mining, while also improving governance and transparency in the mining sector.
Read also: Who Is IAS Ashwini Bhide, Hailed as a Role Model for Mumbai Metro Transformation by Anand Mahindra?
