Kolkata, Sept. 28 -- Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy on Monday termed the alleged illegal mining network in West Bengal a "Jungle Raj", accusing coal mafias of controlling the sector for years while pitching central reforms to bring transparency, curb illegal mining and boost the state's revenue.
Speaking at an ASSOCHAM roadshow in Kolkata on the Angul Aluminium Park, Reddy said illegal extraction had been carried out without required permissions, safety measures or regulatory oversight, resulting in accidents and loss of lives.
He said tighter monitoring and transparent processes had already led many illegal operators to withdraw from the sector and would help increase the state's earnings from coal.
Reddy said the Centre also wanted to encourage genuine investment in the mining sector and create a more
accountable environment for businesses.
Reddy also referred to his tenure in the Union Home Ministry, alleging that crime figures submitted by West Bengal had at times failed to reflect the situation on the ground.
He claimed reports sought by the ministry had shown zero cases of offences such as homicide or suicide.
The minister said the Centre wanted to create conditions for legitimate investment and industrial growth in Bengal,
while urging industry and the public to cooperate in tackling unlawful practices.
Reddy also said he would meet Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to discuss the development of the state's coal and mining sectors and measures to attract investment and strengthen the industry.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.