Jaipur: The mines and geology department, one of the state govt’s major revenue-generating arms, is facing an acute shortage of senior officers, with all five posts of additional directors (ADMs) lying vacant and being managed through additional charges.The situation is set to worsen from Oct 1, when the post of director will also fall vacant.A highly placed source said, “The govt has yet to make a permanent appointment to the director’s post. So far, retired ADM Mahavir Prasad Meena was given a six-month extension and entrusted with the charge of director in addition to his responsibilities as additional director (Jaipur). His extension ends on Sept 30.”The shortage is evident across the department’s key offices. The ADM posts in Jodhpur and Kota remain vacant, with the respective charges being handled by superintending mining engineers (SMEs).At the department headquarters in Udaipur, the ADM is also holding additional charge of the environment wing and the Udaipur zone. The Bikaner ADM post too is vacant, with the Jodhpur ADM given additional responsibility.“The shortage has affected the department’s day-to-day functioning, with several important files reportedly pending for months. These include matters relating to new sand lease contracts, transfer of mining leases, and the inclusion of new minerals in existing leases,” an official source said.The vacancy in the ADM (Vigilance) post is particularly critical as the officer oversees measures against illegal mining and revenue leakage across the state. “The post has remained vacant since Aug 2023 and is currently being handled by a junior officer at the SME level,” the source added.Stakeholders said that the department needs a permanent senior IAS officer as director. They noted that appointing departmental officers to the top post could impact administrative control and transparency, while appointing senior officers close to retirement often leads to a loss of continuity and momentum.“A permanent senior officer would help improve revenue collection, transparency and the speed at which matters involving public interest are dealt with,” said a mine owner on condition of anonymity.With the director’s post falling vacant on Oct 1, officials and stakeholders fear that reliance on temporary, additional-charge arrangements will further slow decision-making. “Mines is a crucial department for both state revenues and regulation of mining activity. The post should not be kept vacant for long and a decision should be taken,” a senior mining official said.
