Punjab Mines and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on the first day of assuming charge inaugurated the Mines and Geology Department and focused on bringing transparency in the working of the department. He expressed this commitment during an ‘Expression of Interest’ workshop on integrated IT measures and latest technological systems related to mining activities in the state.
Taking important steps to ensure accountability in the functioning of the department, Barinder Kumar Goyal said that our aim is to ensure correct accounting of minerals in the state and to generate maximum revenue by making the processes transparent.
will meet the economic goals of Punjab
Briefing about the objectives of these new initiatives, the Minister of Mines and Geosciences said that by adopting this system, we will implement a solid framework that will facilitate accurate tracking and recording of raw-processed minerals and at the same time ensure that this maintains financial integrity and the revenue mobilization policy of the state. According to this will be done to fulfill the economic goals of Punjab.
Revise all department policies
Instructing the officers, Barinder Kumar Goyal said that all policies of the department are being reformed by implementing technology in a phased and planned manner. Addressing the programme, the Cabinet Minister said that the department is fully prepared to make technical improvements in the existing system to curb illegal mining activities and increase the revenue of the state. He said that under the first phase of modernization, weighbridges are being installed on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis.
The formation of six flying teams has also been announced
It may be noted that under this initiative, 12 multinational companies have expressed interest to collaborate with the Department of Mines and Geology. During the ‘Expression of Interest’ workshop held in Chandigarh, the department also announced the formation of six flying teams, which will be equipped with hi-tech live coverage capabilities and monitored by the government headquarters.
Improvement of existing system
Goyal said that to regulate processed goods in the state, the department has installed weighing centres, boom barriers, advanced camera systems (ANPR/PTZ/IP/Varifocal), prepaid weighing machines at around 101 strategic locations on public-private partnership (PPP). ) has presented a proposal to install RFID readers and RFID tags. The initiative aims to improve the existing system for accounting of processed materials from crusher units.
Mining Sector Reforms
Under this, various IT companies and firms presented their proposals regarding monitoring and management activities including various hardware and software solutions to increase efficiency in the department’s operations. Minister of Mines and Geology Barinder Kumar Goyal said that with these measures, Punjab has shown its commitment towards promoting technology and transparency to improve the mining sector. This will usher in a new era of greater accountability in the processes and increase the state’s revenue.
Guidelines for Incorporating Advanced Technologies
Goyal directed the officials to effectively deal with illegal mining activities, generate more revenue, effectively implement existing policies and speedily incorporate advanced technologies. On this occasion Secretary of Mines and Geology Department Gurkeerat Kirpal Singh, Director of Mines Department Abhijit Kaplish and Chief Engineer Dr. Harinderpal Singh Bedi was also present.
