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Bihar proposes 1,000 constables to fight illegal mining
Bihar’s Mines and Geology Department has proposed recruiting 1,000 Khana Sipahis, or constables, to target illegal mining, mineral transport and storage. Mines Minister Pramod Kumar said the dedicated force would allow independent…
The Story in Brief
Bihar’s Mines and Geology Department has proposed recruiting 1,000 Khana Sipahis, or constables, to target illegal mining, mineral transport and storage. Mines Minister Pramod Kumar said the dedicated force would allow independent raids and reduce the mining department’s reliance on local police. Recruitment will be conducted through the appropriate commission, while eligibility rules, training and other details are being finalised.
The department conducted 16,861 raids up to July in 2026-27, resulting in 278 arrests, 2,497 vehicle seizures and Rs 32.64 crore in penalties, Kumar said. Revenue collection during the first four months stood at Rs 790.23 crore, against Rs 590.12 crore in the same period of 2025-26. The department has set a Rs 5,000 crore target for the year.
The Indian Opinion
Claims that a new force alone will end illegal mining are too sweeping. The proposal could improve accountability, but its value will depend on transparent recruitment, training and action against organised operators, not merely more raids or vehicle seizures. Nor do higher collections automatically prove enforcement is working. The useful test is whether repeat illegal activity falls while prosecutions hold up in court. Bihar should publish those figures regularly.
Sources (2): newindianexpress.com, thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
