Bihar Government Seeks Rs 5,000 Crore from Mineral Block Auctions

The Bihar government anticipates earning around Rs 5,000 crore through the auction of mineral blocks in Rohtas, Gaya, and Jamui. Despite recent violent incidents and the rejection of a proposal to create an armed mining police, the state remains committed to curbing illegal mining practices.

The Bihar government is poised to generate approximately Rs 5,000 crore from the auction of mineral blocks situated in Rohtas, Gaya, and Jamui, a senior official disclosed on Wednesday.

Recently auctioned mineral blocks include glauconite in Rohtas and chromite, nickel, and platinum group of elements (PGE) in Gaya, the official noted. The state plans to auction three more mineral blocks in Rohtas and Jamui by October, aiming to accumulate the expected revenue, stated Mines and Geology Department Additional Chief Secretary Mihir Kumar Singh.

To ensure effective oversight of mining activities and clamp down on illegal operations, the department has petitioned for magisterial powers for mining officers and inspectors. This request aims to enhance the department's ability to function autonomously and combat unlawful mining practices. However, the department's proposal to establish a special 'armed mining police' was declined, though they continue working with state police to control illegal mining. Incidents of violent attacks by the sand mafia on law enforcement officers have been reported in multiple districts including Patna, Bhojpur, and Rohtas.

(With inputs from agencies.)