Bihar to Hire 1,000 Constables for Anti-Mining Initiative

The Bihar government has announced plans to form a specialized force to combat illegal mining, transportation, and storage of minerals. Mines and Geology Minister Pramod Kumar revealed on Thursday that the department will recruit 1,000 constables, termed "Khana Sipahis," to address these issues independently. The proposal has been prepared, and recruitment will be conducted through the appropriate commission.

Aiming for Transparency and Efficiency

Mr. Kumar emphasized that the creation of this dedicated force will enhance transparency in mining operations and reduce reliance on local police for raids. Currently, the department depends on district police forces, which are already burdened with maintaining law and order. The new initiative is expected to streamline enforcement and allow the department to conduct independent raids. "This also places an additional burden on the district administration, which is already responsible for maintaining law and order," he noted.

Revenue Surge and Crackdowns

The announcement comes amid a significant rise in revenue collections by the Mines and Geology Department. In the first four months of the current financial year, the department collected ₹790.23 crore, a notable increase from ₹590.12 crore during the same period last fiscal. The department has also ramped up enforcement efforts, conducting 16,861 raids up to July this year. These actions resulted in 278 arrests, the seizure of 2,497 vehicles, and the recovery of ₹32.64 crore in penalties.

Why It Matters

Illegal mining has long posed challenges to Bihar’s governance and resource management. By establishing a dedicated force, the state aims to tackle these issues more effectively, reduce administrative strain, and boost revenue collections further. The move signals a proactive approach to curbing illicit activities in the mineral sector while ensuring greater accountability.

The recruitment process, along with eligibility criteria and training modalities, is currently being finalized.

Source: The Hindu