1 hr ago
Reddy Alleges ‘Jungle Raj’ in Bengal Coal Sector, Promises Reforms
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said illegal groups controlled parts of West Bengal’s coal sector for many years.
He described the situation as “Jungle Raj.”
He said some mining happened without permission or proper safety checks.
According to him, accidents occurred and people lost their lives.
Reddy said the central government is trying to make mining more transparent.
He also said these changes could stop illegal operators and increase money going to the state government.
He plans to discuss coal and mining development with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
He urged people and businesses to support efforts to revive industry in the state.
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy alleged that illegal miners and mafias controlled West Bengal’s coal sector for years.
Reddy said unauthorised mining occurred without permissions, safety standards or regulatory oversight, leading to accidents and deaths.
He claimed the Centre’s reforms were improving transparency, reducing illegal mining and directing coal revenues into government accounts.
Reddy said he would meet Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to discuss development of West Bengal’s coal and mining sector.
The minister linked greater accountability to attracting investment, expanding industry and supporting West Bengal’s workforce.
- Who
- Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, the Centre, illegal mining operators and mafias, and West Bengal authorities.
- What
- Reddy alleged long-standing illegal control of West Bengal’s coal sector and outlined central reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability.
- Where
- Kolkata, West Bengal, at an industrial roadshow on the Angul Aluminium Park.
- When
- Monday; the report is dated September 28, though no year is specified.
- Why
- The Centre says reforms are intended to curb illegal mining, improve safety and accountability, increase state revenue, and encourage investment and industrial development.
Key facts
- Speaker
- G Kishan Reddy, Union Coal and Mines Minister
- Location
- Kolkata, West Bengal
- Event
- Industrial roadshow on the Angul Aluminium Park organised by Assocham
- Allegation
- Reddy said mafias and illegal mining operators controlled the coal sector for years.
- Reported risks
- Unauthorised mining allegedly occurred without permissions, safety norms or regulatory oversight, with accidents and deaths reported by the minister.
- Reform goal
- The Centre says transparent processes and strict accountability will curb illegal mining and increase state revenue.
- Planned discussion
- Reddy said he would meet Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari about coal and mining development.
Quotes
G Kishan Reddy
Union Coal and Mines Minister
“There was no permission for mining, yet illegal extraction was carried out using power connections. Accidents took place, lives were lost, and there was zero accountability. Such a 'Jungle Raj' prevailed in West Bengal, which we are now making dedicated efforts to change under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
deccanchronicle.com
theprint.in
“Earlier, revenue generated from coal did not enter government accounts; it went elsewhere. Today, through transparent processes and strict accountability, many illegal operators have withdrawn, and state revenue from the sector will increase.”
deccanchronicle.com
theprint.in
Sources
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