In a move aimed at safeguarding state revenues and ensuring the uninterrupted pace of development across Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has issued strict directions to curb the misuse of transit passes in mineral transportation. Chairing a high-level review meeting of the Industries Department in Shimla, the Chief Minister expressed deep concern over reports indicating that fake transit passes were being used repeatedly to illegally ferry minerals, causing substantial losses to the state exchequer.
Highlighting the gravity of the issue, CM Sukhu stated that such fraudulent practices not only undermine the state’s financial health but also delay crucial infrastructure projects which depend on timely and transparent mineral supply. While the Himachal Pradesh government had earlier notified Rule 81A to impose financial deductions in cases where valid transit passes are not furnished, the enforcement of this rule is presently under judicial stay. The rule proposed a deduction of ₹80 as royalty and ₹20 as penalty per tonne from executing agencies, including Panchayati Raj Institutions, if minerals were transported without proper documentation.
With the implementation of Rule 81A awaiting legal clarity and scheduled for hearing in the High Court on April 25, the Chief Minister has now instructed the Industries Department to actively examine all viable alternatives that could be deployed to plug these leakages and keep development works on track. “This is not just a revenue issue—it’s about administrative accountability and safeguarding the state’s developmental momentum,” he asserted.
The seriousness of the matter was underscored by the presence of senior functionaries and legal experts during the meeting, including Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, Advocate General Anup Rattan, Secretary Law Sharad Kumar Lagwal, and Director Industries Dr. Yunus. Also in attendance were OSD to the Chief Minister Gopal Sharma and other senior officials, highlighting the coordinated push towards transparency and rule enforcement.
Meanwhile, representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) also met the Chief Minister earlier in the day, urging swift and fair resolution to the issue that has been stalling many grassroots development projects due to uncertainties over royalty and penalty impositions.
The meeting reflects the government’s commitment to rooting out inefficiencies and corrupt practices in the system while reinforcing mechanisms that ensure accountability, especially in sectors as sensitive and critical as natural resource management. With Himachal Pradesh relying heavily on minerals for infrastructure, roads, and rural development, a transparent and technology-backed system of transit monitoring is likely to be the next step in this direction.
As the court proceedings progress and new policy measures take shape, all eyes remain on how the state administration, under CM Sukhu’s leadership, navigates this challenge to reinforce integrity in governance and accelerate sustainable development across the hilly terrains of Himachal.
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