Chief Minister announced the revocation of the Mineral Resources Department’s circular for offline process and its associated circulars related to coal transportation
Raipur, 07 February 2024//
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai announced on Wednesday that the approval process related to coal transportation in Chhattisgarh will be reverted to a more efficient online system. This move aims to enhance transparency, eliminate corruption, and promote good governance in mineral administration. The Chief Minister made this declaration while responding to a calling attention motion in the Assembly on Wednesday.
Chief Minister Shri Sai responded to the Calling Attention and highlighted a significant change made by the previous government in the Mineral Resources Department. On July 15, 2020, a directive was issued mandating physical verification by district mineral staff before issuing e-permits for coal transportation, which led to an offline process. This alteration introduced human interference, leading to corruption allegations and transportation delays.
Chief Minister Shri Sai shared the efficiency of the previous online system in the Mineral Resources Department, which allows lessees to seamlessly acquire e-permits and e-transit passes for coal transportation via the Mineral Online Portal without visiting any office. However, the shift to an offline process under the previous government resulted in delays in the transportation of coal and revenue losses from royalty blockages in numerous coal mines. The Government of India raised objections twice, citing these issues. Furthermore, the offline approach facilitated illicit activities and corruption and tarnished the state’s reputation.
The Chief Minister addressed concerns raised by various state institutions regarding the offline system for coal transportation, which prompted allegations of illegal transactions and extortion. Following investigations by the Enforcement Directorate, a complaint has been filed in court and is currently under review. Additionally, the Directorate has initiated a corruption case with the Anti-Corruption Bureau, which is now under investigation. With a commitment to transparency and good governance, the Chief Minister announced the revocation of the Mineral Resources Department’s July 15, 2020 circular and all associated instructions.
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