Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has constituted a six-member cabinet subcommittee to probe alleged illegal mining irregularities and recommend decisive action. The move comes amid mounting criticism over the state’s inaction in pursuing cases linked to the multithousand crore mining scam.
The subcommittee, headed by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil, includes Home Minister G. Parameshwara, Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa, Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, and Mines and Geology Minister S.S. Mallikarjun. The panel has been directed to submit its report within a month, an official statement said.
The decision, taken during a July 2 cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, aims to address long-pending concerns regarding illegal mining cases, appointment of a Recovery Commissioner, and establishment of a fast-track court for expedited judicial action.
The move follows a strongly worded letter by Minister H.K. Patil, who expressed concern over the “lack of meaningful progress” in recovering the state’s lost mineral wealth, estimated at ₹1.5 lakh crore, and punishing those involved in mining scams from 2007 to 2011.
In his seven-page communication, Patil highlighted that only 7.6% of cases linked to the mining scam have been investigated, triggering public outrage over the government’s perceived lack of sincerity in addressing the issue.
He reminded the Chief Minister of his own 2010 padayatra (foot march) to Ballari, protesting against illegal mining when the Congress was in opposition. The subcommittee is expected to formulate a roadmap for legal and administrative measures to ensure accountability, recover losses, and restore public confidence.
