Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has issued a clear warning, stating that no loopholes or corruption of any kind regarding revenue collection from the state's mining and quarrying operations will be tolerated henceforth. During a high-level administrative meeting held in Durgapur—attended by representatives from the five districts of the Junglemahal region—he presented comparative statistics regarding revenue collection from stone quarries in the Birbhum district. According to data provided by the Chief Minister, while the previous government's tenure saw monthly revenue collections from Birbhum's stone quarries hover between a mere ₹35 to ₹40 lakhs, the current administration's strict enforcement measures have resulted in a collection of ₹2.25 crores in just 12 days. It is projected that by the end of the month, revenue from this sector could reach approximately ₹5 crores.
**Strict Administration to Plug Hidden Revenue Leaks**
Citing this massive discrepancy as evidence, the Chief Minister has directed the district administration and relevant officials to maintain strict vigilance at the administrative level to curb "revenue leakage"—or the theft of public funds. The bureaucracy has been entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that funds rightfully belonging to the state exchequer do not, under any circumstances, find their way into private pockets. These remarks by the Chief Minister have created a stir within political circles. State Minister Agnimitra Paul pointed a direct accusing finger at the previous government, alleging that these statistics serve as irrefutable proof of how, in the past, public funds were systematically siphoned off elsewhere.
**Strategy to Regulate Sand and Stone Prices and Curb Illegal Mining**
During the meeting, complaints surfaced not only regarding stone quarries but also concerning the sand trade. When a BJP MLA drew the Chief Minister's attention to the abnormal surge in sand prices across the state, he promptly issued directives to formulate a standardized price list to help curb unreasonable pricing in the market. Simultaneously, public representatives and the administration have been instructed to work in tandem to put an end to illegal mining operations. While MLAs have been tasked with compiling lists of both legal and illegal quarries within their respective constituencies, the district administration has been directed to conduct independent investigations into the matter. However, amidst these strict measures, the Chief Minister has also cautioned party legislators to ensure that legitimate business owners do not fall victim to any form of harassment, political pressure, or extortion. It is evident from this meeting in Durgapur that the new government, while keen to boost revenue on one hand, is equally determined to crack down firmly on the illegal "syndicate raj" on the other.