Uttarakhand's Mining Revenue Surge: A Testament to Strategic Financial Management

Uttarakhand's mining revenues have skyrocketed to Rs 686 crore in nine months, outpacing last year's total of Rs 646 crore. Under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's leadership, new strategies have significantly boosted income, projecting a 50% rise over the previous year with potential earnings exceeding Rs 1,000 crore.

The state of Uttarakhand is celebrating a significant financial milestone, as mining revenues have surged to an impressive Rs 686 crore in just the first nine months of the financial year. This figure surpasses the total revenue of Rs 646 crore collected throughout last year, according to official sources.

Under the strategic leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, consistent financial discipline has been a focus. Meetings between the revenue-earning departments, chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) and the Secretary of Finance, have been key to this success, ensuring financial prudence and effective management.

The year-on-year growth is notable, with mining revenue seeing a staggering increase from Rs 397 crore in 2019-20. Current trends suggest earnings this year could exceed the Rs 1,000 crore mark, demonstrating a potential upward shift of 50% compared to 2023-24. The shift in strategy, which includes the oversight of mining practices by external agencies rather than the Mining Department itself, has been credited as a catalyst for this growth.

In parallel, Uttarakhand's tax revenue has also been on the rise, with figures moving from Rs 11,513 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 19,245 crore for 2023-24. The current financial year is projected to see revenues around Rs 22,500 crore. Chief Minister Dhami remains committed to implementing practical actions against the cold wave, ensuring facilities like rain shelters are well-equipped and that medical facilities are prepared for emergencies, particularly concerning pregnant women.

Furthermore, Dhami has instructed district magistrates to ensure that eligible individuals receive the benefits of government schemes fairly and without misuse, reinforcing his dedication to transparent governance.

(With inputs from agencies.)