Minister for Mineral Resources Department, Pradeep Jaiswal alleged that in previous BJP government there was rampant loot of income coming from sand mining. The Mining Department was used like a private sector. But now all the routes of pilferage have been stopped and this has resulted into manifold rise in revenue coming from sand mining and minerals.

Addressing the press conference, Minister Pradeep Jaiswal told that now all sands are being operated in proper manner in state. Earlier, there used to be complaints that same TP from one place is being used at another place for passage of vehicles laden with minerals. To contain this kind of malpractice, unique ID is being given which will be used only locally and it could not be used at another place.

Rolling out achievements of his department, he told that against the target of Rs 4,528 crore given by the Finance Department for financial year 2018-19, department has collected Rs 4623.04 crore which is 102.10 per cent of the target.

Informing about auction of Bandar diamond block of Chhattarpur, he said that new sand policy has been framed and it will help state in getting income of around Rs 1,200 crore.

He also said that excavation through machines could not be done in Narmada river but permission of machines for sand mining could be given in other rivers. He also informed about the decision to turn Khajuraho into the hub of diamond marketing. He said that as far as irregularities pertaining to the period of previous government is concerned then action will be taken on the basis of complaints. On being asked about the ongoing feud between Minister Imarti Devi and Minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar over sand mining related issue, he said that it is a local problem and will be sorted out.