Bihar dept. to form dedicated force to check illegal mining, transportation of minerals - The HinduPublished - August 07, 2026 01:32 am IST - PATNABihar Mines and Geology Minister Pramod Kumar addressing a press conference in Patna on Thursday. | Photo Credit: Special arrangementThe Bihar government’s Mines and Geology Department will recruit 1,000 constables, on the lines of the State Prohibition and Excise Department, to curb illegal mining, transportation and storage of minerals.Announcing the decision on Thursday, Mines and Geology Minister Pramod Kumar said the department has prepared a proposal to recruit 1,000 Khana Sipahis (constables). “A dedicated force will not only bring transparency in mining activities but also help the department conduct independent raids without relying on the local police,” Mr. Kumar told reporters.He said the department currently depends on the local police to conduct raids against illegal mining, transportation and storage. “This also places an additional burden on the district administration, which is already responsible for maintaining law and order,” the Minister said, adding that the recruitment will be made through the appropriate commission, while eligibility criteria, training and other modalities are being finalised.Expressing happiness over the rise in revenue collections in the initial four months of the current financial year, Mr. Kumar said the department collected ₹790.23 crore in the period against ₹590.12 crore that it collected in the corresponding period of the last fiscal 2025-26.Raids and arrestsA total of 16,861 raids has been conducted up to July in the current financial year, he said, adding that 278 people were arrested, while 2,497 vehicles were seized. In addition, ₹32.64 crore has been recovered as penalty in the same period, the Minister added.Published - August 07, 2026 01:32 am ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }