Patna: The Bihar government says tighter oversight of mining activity has helped it exceed its revenue target for the current financial year, with officials crediting stricter enforcement and action against illegal mining for the gains.
According to the state’s Department of Mines and Geology, revenues of Rs 3,569.47 crore have been collected so far in 2024–25, surpassing the target of Rs 3,500 crore. The figure represents just over 101% of the annual goal and an increase of more than Rs 400 crore compared with the previous financial year.
The department, which is headed by deputy chief minister and mines minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, said the improvement followed intensified administrative monitoring and sustained action against illegal mining, transportation and storage of minerals.
Officials pointed to amendments made to mining rules in October 2024, which introduced tougher penalties. Since then, the department claims there has been a marked decline in cases of overloading and unauthorised mining. Regular district-level reviews and continuous monitoring have also helped accelerate collections, it said.
The government has also encouraged public participation by offering incentives to citizens who report illegal mining activities, a move officials believe has strengthened enforcement on the ground.
The state has indicated that the policy of strict monitoring and public involvement will continue, with the aim of maintaining long-term control over illegal mining operations.
For the next financial year, 2025–26, the department has set a higher revenue target of Rs 3,850 crore. By November 2025, collections stood at Rs 1,530.30 crore. Between April and November, officials conducted nearly 32,000 raids, registered 1,696 first information reports, made 420 arrests and seized 3,599 vehicles, according to official data.
