Bihar Mines Department Takes Action Against 23 Districts for Revenue Lapses
The mines and geology department in Bihar has identified significant shortcomings in revenue collection across multiple districts. A recent review exposed poor performance, leading to immediate administrative measures.
Show-Cause Notices Issued to District Officers
State department director Manesh Kumar Meena conducted a thorough review on the directive of deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Sinha. This assessment revealed that twenty-three district offices failed to meet revenue targets.
Consequently, the department headquarters in Patna has issued formal show-cause notices to all mines development officers in these districts. These notices demand clear explanations for what officials describe as unsatisfactory revenue collection performance.
Strict Proceedings Initiated Against Seven Districts
The department has taken even stronger action against seven specific districts. Officials have been directed to initiate formal proceedings under relevant rules against mines development officers in Rohtas, Patna, Aurangabad, Lakhisarai, Jamui, Vaishali and Purnia districts.
These proceedings could result in disciplinary measures against the responsible officers. The department emphasizes that such poor performance cannot continue without consequences.
Zero Revenue Collection in Two Districts
In a particularly concerning development, two districts reported absolutely no revenue collection during the first week of January. The mines development officers and mines inspectors of Gopalganj and Madhubani districts must now explain this complete absence of revenue.
Department officials express serious concern about this situation. They note that even minimal revenue collection would be preferable to the current zero performance in these districts.
Accelerated Auction Plans to Boost Revenue
To address the revenue shortfall, the department has outlined specific recovery measures. All remaining sand ghats must undergo auction without further delay. Officials have received clear instructions to complete these auctions promptly.
The settlement process for concerned mines must conclude by January's end. This deadline creates urgency for district offices to finalize pending matters related to mining operations.
Additional Revenue Generation Measures
Department officials must expedite auctions of seized vehicles, sand, and stone chips. These auctions represent important opportunities to bridge the revenue gap identified during the review.
Director Manesh Kumar Meena issued a stern warning about performance expectations. He stated clearly that any laxity in carrying out assigned work will not receive tolerance from department leadership.
Department Leadership Demands Accountability
The review process originated from direct instructions by deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Sinha. This demonstrates high-level government concern about revenue collection performance in the mines sector.
Department director Meena emphasized that all officers must fulfill their responsibilities completely. The show-cause notices represent the first step in holding district offices accountable for their revenue collection performance.
The mines and geology department now monitors district responses closely. Further action will depend on explanations provided by the twenty-three districts facing scrutiny. The department aims to improve revenue collection significantly through these accountability measures.
