“Revenue leakage” will not be tolerated under any circumstances, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari declared emphatically during an administrative meeting in Durgapur on Thursday, where he reviewed governance across the five districts of the Junglemahal region and issued strict directives on the state’s mining and quarrying sector.
Citing recent data from Birbhum district, the Chief Minister highlighted a dramatic surge in revenue collection following intensified enforcement. He noted that while monthly collections from stone quarries under the previous administration stood at just Rs 35–40 lakhs, the current government has already generated Rs 2.25 crores within 12 days. According to administrative estimates, the figure could approach Rs 5 crores by month-end.
Using these figures to underscore his stance, Adhikari made it clear that even the slightest loophole in revenue collection would not be accepted. He directed officials to maintain stringent vigilance to ensure that not a single rupee of public money is siphoned off.
The remarks have triggered sharp political reactions. State Minister Agnimitra Paul accused the previous regime of corruption, asserting that the current revenue figures expose past diversion of public funds. Although she did not name individuals, her comments have intensified political speculation.
The meeting also brought attention to irregularities in the sand and quarrying trade. A BJP MLA raised concerns over the steep rise in sand prices across the state, prompting the Chief Minister to instruct officials to formulate a standardised pricing framework aimed at curbing arbitrary price hikes.
In a bid to tighten oversight, Adhikari directed party legislators to submit detailed reports identifying legal and illegal quarrying sites. District administrations have also been tasked with conducting independent investigations and reporting their findings.
Issuing a stern warning, the Chief Minister declared that illegal quarrying operations would face strict punitive action. At the same time, he stressed that legally compliant operators must not be subjected to harassment.
Adhikari further cautioned legislators against engaging in or enabling practices such as “cut money,” extortion, or political interference. He emphasised the need to ensure that such malpractices do not resurface following the recent political transition in the state.
The Durgapur meeting signals a firm administrative push by the government to strengthen revenue collection mechanisms, crack down on illegal mining activities, and ensure a balanced approach that protects legitimate business operators while enforcing the law.
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