Mines dept likely to miss revenue target

Jaipur: The state government’s crackdown on illegal mining is praiseworthy, but a fortnight’s special campaign may cost the department. The field officers of department were first sitting idle during the Model Code of Conduct and elections and now in the name of campaign, they are neglecting revenue generation.

Now, achieving revenue target of Rs 9,000 cr in financial year ending on March 31 seems a far cry. Until January 15, Rs 5,413 crore has been earned against the target of Rs 6,390 cr, which is 84.72% of target. Now, the department has to earn Rs 3,577 cr in the remaining two-and-ahalf-months, which looks unlikely. Jaipur zone under the leadership of Additional Director BS Sodha is leading with 104.70%. Additional Director Mahesh Mathur has responsibility of Udaipur and Jodhpur, where revenue earning is almost equal.