Karnataka’s Mines and Geology Department sets ₹11,000-crore revenue target; geologists to be assigned district-wise goals

With an annual revenue target of ₹11,000 crore for the current financial year, the Department of Mines and Geology will assign district-wise revenue and operational targets to geologists, Secretary of the MSME and Mines and Geology Department Rohini Sindhuri said.

Chairing a review meeting of the department on Friday, Ms. Sindhuri directed officials to adopt a target-based approach to revenue collection, field inspections and enforcement activities. She said district-wise monthly review meetings would be held from next month to monitor progress.

The department has also set a target of mobilising ₹2,000 crore through the One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme over the next six months, and officers have been asked to work towards achieving the goal.

Focus on mine safety

Ms. Sindhuri directed officials to conduct regular inspections of mines under their jurisdiction and ensure strict compliance with safety norms.

Referring to the recent quarry accident in Bengaluru Rural district, she said officials should maintain continuous vigilance to prevent similar incidents. There should be no compromise on worker safety, she said, directing geologists to periodically review safety measures and mining operations.

District-wise monitoring

The Secretary said every district geologist would be assigned specific targets relating to revenue collection, inspections and overall departmental performance. Officials have also been asked to continuously monitor mining activities in their jurisdictions and review progress as against the assigned targets.

Transfer exercise

During the meeting, officials were informed that 98% of officers transferred in the recent large-scale reshuffle had reported to their new places of posting and assumed charge.

According to a release from the department, the transfer exercise was undertaken to strengthen discipline, transparency, accountability and administrative efficiency.