The Bihar Mines and Geology Department is set to recruit 1,000 'Khana Sipahis' to independently tackle illegal mineral mining and transportation, reducing reliance on local police.
Key Takeaways
- Bihar to recruit 1,000 dedicated 'Khana Sipahis' (constables).
- Goal: Curb illegal mining, transportation, and storage of minerals.
- The move aims to ensure independence from local police during raids.
- Significant surge in revenue collection reported for the current fiscal year.
PATNA: In a strategic move to safeguard state resources, the Bihar Mines and Geology Department has announced the recruitment of 1,000 constables, known as 'Khana Sipahis'. This dedicated force is being established to strictly monitor and prevent illegal mining, transportation, and storage of minerals across the state.
Announcing the decision on Thursday, Mines and Geology Minister Pramod Kumar stated that the new force would function similarly to the State Prohibition and Excise Department. Currently, the department relies heavily on the local police to conduct raids, which often places an undue burden on district administrations tasked with maintaining general law and order.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that creating a specialized enforcement wing is crucial for states with high mineral density. By removing the dependency on local law enforcement, the department can conduct surprise, high-intensity raids without logistical delays. This autonomy is expected to increase transparency and significantly reduce the influence of mining mafias.
The formation of a specialized force will bridge the gap between regulatory oversight and ground-level enforcement, ensuring mineral wealth reaches the state treasury instead of illegal pockets.
Financial Growth and Enforcement Stats
The Minister highlighted a massive jump in revenue collection. In the first four months of the current financial year, the department collected ₹790.23 crore, a significant increase compared to the ₹590.12 crore collected during the same period last year.
| Metric | Previous FY (2025-26) | Current FY (First 4 Months) |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Collected | ₹590.12 Cr | ₹790.23 Cr |
| Raids Conducted | - | 16,861 |
| Vehicles Seized | - | 2,497 |
| Arrests Made | - | 278 |
Enforcement activities have been aggressive, with over 16,000 raids conducted so far this year, resulting in ₹32.64 crore in penalties. The government is currently finalizing the eligibility criteria and training modules for the new recruits through the appropriate commission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is Bihar recruiting a separate force for mining?
To conduct independent raids and reduce the operational burden on local district police and administration.
2. How has the revenue trend changed?
There has been a sharp increase in revenue, rising from ₹590.12 crore to ₹790.23 crore in the comparable four-month periods.
