Patna, In a bold move, the Bihar government has taken the unprecedented step of withholding the salaries of several district mineral development officers. The decision comes in response to the alleged failure of these officers to meet the revenue collection targets in their respective districts for the ongoing financial year. The Mines and Geology Department of the state government has initiated this action, seeking explanations from officers in Jehanabad, Gaya, Munger, Jamui, and Aurangabad.
The department has achieved approximately 42% of its revenue target of Rs 3,590.66 crore for the fiscal year 2023-24 from the mining sector. As of December 2023, the department could only collect Rs 1,500 crore, prompting this stringent measure.
Mines and Geology Department Additional Chief Secretary Parmar Ravi Manubhai emphasized the unsatisfactory performance of most districts, stating, “With the revenue collection just 42% of the target so far and most of the districts showing unsatisfactory performance, MDOs concerned have been asked to step up efforts and crack down on illegal mining of (sand), transportation, and storage by the mafia.”
The decision to withhold salaries was made during a district-wise review of revenue collection by the department last month. Officials have been directed to intensify legal actions and impose penalties on those engaging in illegal mining in the state. The department hopes that revenue generation will improve in the remaining three months of the current financial year.
A sustainable mining activity in Bihar has been a significant revenue source for the state government. Over the years, revenue collection from mines and minerals has substantially increased, providing crucial financial support.
By PTI
