 "Bihar’s Mining Battles: Government Rejects Armed Police Amid Rising Sand Mafia Violence")
The Bihar government aims to generate approximately Rs 5,000 crore from upcoming auctions of mineral blocks in Rohtas, Gaya, and Jamui. Recently auctioned blocks include glauconite in Rohtas and rocks containing valuable minerals like chromite, nickel, and platinum group elements in Gaya. In October, three more mineral blocks are set to be auctioned. The Mines and Geology Department is seeking magisterial powers for mining officers to enhance monitoring and combat illegal mining effectively, as incidents of violence by sand mafia have threatened law enforcement in the region. However, the proposal for an “armed mining police” was rejected by the state government, and the department continues to work with state police to address these challenges.
Bihar’s Mining Sector Set for Significant Auction Revenue
The Bihar government is gearing up for a major boost in its revenue with an expected earning of around Rs 5,000 crore from the upcoming auctions of mineral blocks in Rohtas, Gaya, and Jamui. According to senior officials, these include recently auctioned blocks of glauconite in Rohtas and rocks that contain valuable minerals such as chromite, nickel, and platinum group elements in Gaya.
In addition to the already auctioned blocks, three more mineral blocks are scheduled for auction in October. Mihir Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary of the Mines and Geology Department, highlighted that these auctions are vital for the state’s financial health.
To combat illegal mining activities, the Mines Department has proposed granting magisterial powers to mining officers and inspectors. This move aims to enhance the department’s ability to monitor operations and take strict action against violators. However, a proposal for creating an “armed mining police” was not accepted by the state government. Singh confirmed that the department is currently working closely with the state police to address illegal mining activities, which have seen an alarming rise in violent incidents involving the sand mafia across several districts, including Patna and Bhojpur.
As Bihar continues to navigate the complexities of its mining sector, the auction of mineral blocks represents a critical opportunity for financial growth and regulatory improvement.
Tags: Bihar government, mining auction, mineral blocks, illegal mining, mining regulation, revenue generation
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What is the mineral block auction in Bihar?
The mineral block auction is a process where the government sells rights to explore and mine minerals in certain areas. This helps generate revenue for the state. -
How much money does the Bihar government expect from this auction?
The Bihar government expects to earn around Rs 5,000 crore from the auction. -
Why is this auction important for Bihar?
This auction is important because it can provide a significant amount of money for development projects and improve the state’s economy. -
What types of minerals are being auctioned?
The auction includes various minerals, such as sand, stone, and other resources found in Bihar. - How will the revenue from the auction be used?
The revenue from the auction will be used for infrastructure development, public welfare programs, and improving services for the people of Bihar.
