Bihar's Mines Department Achieves Record Revenue of Rs 3,569 Crore in 2024-25

It is the result of the effective policies and efficient administration of the Bihar government that the Mines and Geology Department has achieved remarkable achievements in the financial year 2024-25. It is the result of the effective policies of the government and transparency in functioning that the department has achieved success in many important areas like revenue recovery, illegal mining control, end of overloading, improvement in police administration and increase in civic amenities.

Complete control over overloading

Due to the strict provisions made in the Mining Rules in October 2024, effective control has been established over illegal mining of sand across the state. This has almost ended overloading, due to which a relatively less amount has been recovered in the penalty head.

Historic achievement in revenue collection

The Mines and Geology Department has exceeded its target in the recently concluded financial year 2024-25. The department has recovered a total revenue of Rs 3569 crore against the target of Rs 3500 crore, which is the highest recovery so far. This success is the result of efficient management and regular monitoring of the department. It is noteworthy that despite the surrender of about 40 sand ghats, this target has been achieved, which is 114 percent more than last year. In comparison to the financial year 2021-22, where the collection of the Mines and Geology Department was Rs 1766 crore, it has more than doubled to Rs 3569 crore in the year 2024-25.

Safety of roads and bridges

Success has been achieved in reducing the damage caused to roads and bridges due to overloading. This has made the maintenance of roads easier and the repair cost of the government has come down drastically. Earlier, overloaded trucks used to run at high speed to avoid the police, due to which there was a possibility of accidents. But now such incidents have reduced drastically. This has ensured the safety of the general public.

Accountability of police and police stations

Those transporting minerals should not be harassed unnecessarily. For this, a provision has been made to investigate in the presence of the mining officer and to inform the District Collector about the investigation and seizure within 24 hours. This has ensured the accountability of the police administration.

Incentive scheme to stop illegal mining

'Bihari mining warriors' who give information about illegal mining are being given a reward of Rs 5000 for tractors and Rs 10,000 for other big vehicles. So far, a total of Rs 3,25,000 has been transferred to 59 beneficiaries and the amount of the remaining beneficiaries will also be transferred soon. This scheme will continue in future as well.

Strictness on contractors

To ensure the legality of minerals used in the work departments, the contractors will have to submit their invoices and permits. Under the new mining policy, if any contractor uses the mineral illegally, then a fine of up to 25 times will be imposed on him. This step has been taken to stop the use of illegal minerals in government projects.

Strict action against illegal miners

The government is determined to take strict action against illegal miners. Illegal mining causes damage to government revenue and environment. Therefore, strict action will continue against such elements. The state government has made it clear that those involved in illegal business will not get any relief and strict action will continue against them.

Soil now free for personal use

Ownership of soil will not be required for non-commercial use. The police administration has been instructed to ensure that private users are not unnecessarily harassed.

Loading exemption up to five percent for legal mineral transportation

The state government has made a provision for the convenience of transporters that if the mineral quantity loaded in a vehicle is up to 5 percent more than the quantity recorded in the challan, then only the difference in quantity will be charged.

Activity of Mining Task Force

A mining task force has been formed at the district level to monitor and prevent illegal mining, transportation and storage, which monitors these activities through regular meetings.

Actions taken in the financial year 2024-25

The department has so far conducted 33 thousand 12 raids, 3 thousand 475 FIRs, 1 thousand 252 arrests, seized 10 thousand 702 vehicles and recovered a penalty of Rs 136 crore 37 lakh in this financial year.

Officers doing good work will be rewarded

The government has clarified that the officials doing excellent work in the Mines and Geology Department will be given due honor and rewards so that they can work more effectively. Action will also be taken by identifying the officials who are negligent in revenue collection.

Public Grievance System

To resolve complaints of illegal mining, transportation and storage, the department has issued helpline number-0612-2215360, WhatsApp number 9472238821 and email [-minesccc-bih@gov.in](mailto:-minesccc-bih@gov.in) and [controlcommandmines@gmail.com](mailto\:controlcommandmines@gmail.com). Prompt action is being taken on complaints received from citizens.