*Takes stock of infra issues of JNVs, KVs
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 16: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a review meeting of the Mining Department to assess the progress of mining sector reforms, revenue realisation measures, technological interventions and enforcement mechanisms aimed at curbing illegal mining across J&K.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary reviewed the department’s performance in implementing policy reforms, auctioning of mineral blocks and strengthening monitoring systems, while underscoring the need for transparency, sustainability and maximisation of revenue from mineral resources.
Emphasising the importance of scientific assessment of mineral resources, the Chief Secretary directed the department to undertake G3-stage geological studies of major mineral blocks such as lignite, marble, graphite and granite through MECL, so as to establish clear estimates of mineral reserves and attract better investor response during future auctions.
The Chief Secretary impressed upon the department to expedite the operationalisation of 110 non-operational minor mineral blocks across various districts to unlock their revenue potential and ensure availability of construction material for developmental works. He also directed the department to remain uncompromising in dealing with illegal mining and to create sufficient deterrence through strict enforcement and penal action.
About the mining reforms and major achievements made by the Department, the ACS Mining, Anil Kumar Singh informed that the e-auction of seven limestone blocks was formally launched by the Union Minister of Coal and Mines on November 24, 2025, marking a major step towards scientific and transparent exploitation of major minerals.
Under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) 2025–26, he added that the Department had secured a grant of Rs 100 Cr after implementing key mining reforms, including adoption of a Minor Mineral Policy, allocation of all minor mineral blocks through auction mode, introduction of mine closure provisions with monitoring mechanisms, and initiation of survey, mapping and exploration of identified minor mineral blocks.
A major focus of the review was the Integrated Mining Surveillance System (IMSS), developed for the first time by the department in collaboration with BISAG-N (Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics). The system integrates GPS tracking, RFID, e-challan, weighbridge data and public grievance redressal mechanisms on a real-time digital dashboard to enhance transparency, accountability and compliance in mining operations.
The department reported that 114 system-generated triggers were verified on the ground, resulting in confirmation of 14 cases of illegal mining and imposition of penalties amounting to Rs 90 lakhs.
Moreover it was given out that a pilot run of GPS-enabled mineral-carrying vehicles has been successfully conducted in District Samba, with plans to extend GPS, RFID and e-challan compliance to all mineral transportation across the UT by January 26, 2026 after carrying out an extensive IEC campaign.
The Chief Secretary stressed the need for time-bound implementation of reforms, deeper use of technology, and close coordination among departments to ensure transparent, environmentally sustainable mining here.
He directed the department to adhere to set timelines, strengthen field-level monitoring and fully leverage digital systems to eliminate illegal mining and maximise public benefit from mineral resources of the UT.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary chaired a high-level meeting to review the availability of land and infrastructure for Central Government educational institutions, including Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) and Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), that are either non-functional or presently operating from temporary premises across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary, School Education Department, Ram Niwas Sharma; Commissioners of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan; Director School Education, Jammu and Kashmir; Regional Officer, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Jammu, along with other senior officers of the department.
Deputy Commissioners from all districts participated in the meeting through video conferencing.
During the review, the Chief Secretary sought district-wise and school-wise details regarding the current infrastructural status of these institutions. He specifically enquired about the availability or identification of suitable land for the construction of permanent school buildings, as well as the arrangements made for their temporary functioning until permanent infrastructure is established.
Emphasising the importance of timely intervention, he impressed upon the district administrations and concerned departments to ensure that all procedural formalities are completed expeditiously to facilitate smooth functioning of these institutions.
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