Jharkhand Minor Mineral Revenue Dips, CAG Flags Irregularities

• Jharkhand's minor mineral revenue consistently declined from 2017-18 to 2021-22, dropping from Rs 1,082.44 crore to Rs 697.73 crore, as per a CAG report.
• The contribution of minor mineral receipts to the state's total revenue also fell sharply from 5.36% to 2.23% during the same period.
• The CAG report attributed the revenue dip to factors like short/non-levy of royalty, dead rent, and penalties, along with irregularities in mining lease grants.
• Specific irregularities included a Sahibganj DC granting leases beyond jurisdiction and DMO arbitrarily reducing lease areas.
• The audit also found slow progress in mineral block auctions (only 3.77% completed) and significant uncollected penalties (Rs 205.21 crore) for unauthorized extraction.

Why It Matters: Jharkhand's mineral revenue decline means less money for public services.