SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Jan 31: Jharkhand Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore asserted that the state does not expect anything from the upcoming Union Budget but is demanding the clearance of pending coal royalty dues amounting to ₹1.36 lakh crore from the central government.
Speaking to the media at Circuit House on Friday afternoon, Kishore clarified that Jharkhand is not seeking a special package but only what is rightfully owed. He emphasized that the state is entitled to the pending dues as per departmental provisions.
“The central government should clear Jharkhand’s coal royalty dues pending for years. For now, the state is not demanding the immediate payment of interest on the ₹1.36 lakh crore,” Kishore stated.
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Concerns Over Revenue Collection
During a review of district revenue collection, the finance minister expressed concern over poor revenue collection across various departments. He directed officials to work diligently towards achieving the targeted revenue collection.
Kishore noted that in the current financial year, Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has paid ₹32 crore, while Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has contributed ₹208 crore, exceeding its ₹197 crore target. Meanwhile, Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) has paid ₹488 crore, falling short of its ₹521 crore target.
Action Against Poor Revenue Performance
Highlighting Katras Circle’s poor revenue performance, Kishore revealed that the commercial tax wing in Dhanbad district collected the lowest revenue. The concerned official has been issued a show-cause notice after failing to provide a satisfactory explanation for the shortfall.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Madhvi Mishra and Senior Superintendent of Police HP Janardhanan welcomed the minister at Circuit House.
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Officials Present at the Review Meeting
The review meeting was attended by State Assistant Commissioner (Tax) Narendra Kumar, Additional Commissioner Vinay Kumar Sinha, Arinban Aich, Town Commissioner Ravi Raj Sharma, ADM Binod Kumar, DTO Diwakar C. Dwivedi, DMO Ritesh Raj Tigga, Dhruv Narayan Ray, Galib Ansari, and other officials.
