Hyderabad: Labour and Mines Minister G. Vivek Venkatswamy said the state recorded a Mines revenue surge under the Congress government and attributed the rise to structural reforms in the department.
Responding to allegations made by BRS MLA Harish Rao, the Minister presented data in the Assembly to support his claim. He said a series of reforms directly improved revenue collection. According to him, these changes strengthened regulation and streamlined operations.
He rejected the opposition’s allegations and said all actions were taken strictly under rules and regulations. He maintained that the department functioned transparently under the current administration.
Mines revenue surge linked to reforms and enforcement measures
Vivek Venkatswamy said the Mines revenue surge reflected policy changes introduced after the Congress assumed office. He stated that better monitoring and administrative reforms helped boost state income.
At the same time, he criticised the previous BRS government for alleged irregularities. He said no concrete action was taken despite reported violations during that period. He also recalled that in 2022, the Enforcement Directorate conducted raids on a former minister and his family in connection with the issue.
However, he pointed out that no demand for a House Committee was raised at that time. In contrast, he said, the BRS was now demanding a probe over what he described as a minor violation.
Mines revenue surge debate intensifies amid political accusations
The Minister also dismissed allegations made by the BJP. He clarified that no formal demand had been submitted for the formation of a House Committee in the current matter.
He said irregularities worth thousands of crores were reported during the earlier regime. Yet, he noted, there was no similar demand for investigation then. Therefore, he termed the present demand inconsistent.
Despite the political exchanges, Vivek Venkatswamy said the government would act firmly against any wrongdoing. He made it clear that no individual involved in irregularities would be spared.
He said action would be taken strictly according to law if violations were established. With this assurance, he reiterated that accountability remained a priority alongside sustaining the Mines revenue surge in the state.