Patna, Apr 1 (PTI) Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha on Wednesday said the state’s Mines and Geology Department recorded a revenue of Rs 3,592 crore in the 2025-26 financial year.
The revenue figure was 93 per cent of the annual target of Rs 3,850 crore, a statement issued by the department said.
Sinha, who also holds the mines and geology portfolio, said, “In FY 2025-26, the department recorded highest-ever revenue collections. The collection in the last financial year is Rs 56.39 crore higher than what it was in 2024-25.” He said the total revenue for 2025-26 is expected to exceed Rs 3,800 crore once pending payments from several departments are processed in the next few days.
Sinha also said that 21 districts of Bihar achieved hundred per cent revenue target.
“Revenue grew from Rs 41 crore in 2001-02 to Rs 1,700 crore in 2021-22, and effectively doubled since then,” the deputy CM said.
Sinha asserted that Bihar’s mining landscape has been transformed from a “synonym of disturbance” into an “emerging field of entrepreneurship” under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
He said the state government has also introduced the ‘Bihar Yoddha’ award for people who inform about illegal mining.
“As a result, the involvement of large vehicles in illegal mining and transport has reduced substantially,” Sinha said.
According to the department’s statement, establishment of a 24/7 command and control centre, mandatory geo-fencing, use of e-challan system, and creation of specialised wings are some of the initiatives taken by the government to curb illegal mining.
Sinha also said that overloading has been controlled across Bihar due to strict enforcement and clear governmental instructions.
He said it is mandatory for mineral-laden vehicles to be painted red, and labeled as ‘mining vehicle’ for the purpose of clear identification.
“To curb the illegal inflow of minerals from neighbouring states, the government has also decided to make transit passes mandatory,” Sinha said.
The deputy CM said that auctions have been announced for mineral blocks, including glauconite in Rohtas, vanadium magnetite in Gaya, and copper-lead-zinc in Banka.
Thirty blocks for stone mining lease have been identified, which will reduce dependence on other states and boost local employment, he added. PTI SUK RBT
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