Bengaluru, Jan 28: Minister for Mines & Geology Minister Murugesh R Nirani on Thursday warned the department officials, particularly district heads, that a stringent action would be initiated against the officials if found guilty in illegal mining cases.
Holding the full-fledged meeting with department officials which was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Mines) G Kumar Naik, Director of Mines and Geology D Ramesh and heads of districts, Mr Nirani expressed unhappiness over the district officials, particularly Shivamogga, Yadgir officials for not taking timely action to contain illegal stone quarrying.
“The whole is looking differently upon our department after the Shivamogga incident. I have received many complaints against many districts officials on going soft on illegal quarrying. We should strive towards bringing a good name for the department. That is possible only when officials show commitment towards their work,” Nirani pointed out.
Touching upon the not-a-positive collection of revenue, the minister yet again warned the officials not fall back on the revenue collection.
Poor collection of revenue has been recorded in in some districts like Mysuru, Kolar, Davanagere, Dakshina Kannada, Ramanagara.
While officers who did not achieve targets cited Covid19 as the sole reason, Davanagere deputy director said Harapanahalli taluk has been included under Ballari taluk recently, so the collection was reduced.
“All the excuses should be left behind and focus should be on meeting targets,” he said.
