Dehradun, Oct 17 (NationPress) In a remarkable acknowledgment of its reformative strides, Uttarakhand has attained a prominent role in the ‘C’ category of the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI), which was issued by the Ministry of Mines.

The index, unveiled in conjunction with the Union Budget 2025–26, underscores the initiatives taken by states to advance transparency, sustainability, and innovation within the mining sector.

Uttarakhand stands shoulder to shoulder with Punjab and Tripura at the pinnacle of the ‘C’ category. The SMRI evaluates states on various criteria, including mining reforms, policy transparency, environmental responsibility, exploration capabilities, and administrative effectiveness.

In contrast, states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan are classified in the ‘A’ category, while Goa, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam belong to category ‘B’.

The Ministry stated that the index is designed to establish a benchmark for governance in state-level mining and to stimulate healthy competition aimed at accelerating reforms and advocating responsible mining practices nationwide.

The enhancements in Uttarakhand’s mining governance can be largely credited to the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and the comprehensive reform initiatives of his government.

Key measures have been implemented to boost transparency, reduce corruption, and promote environmental sustainability in mining operations. This includes:

• A robust e-auction system for the allocation of mining leases, fostering fair and transparent practices.
• Complete digitization of mining processes to facilitate access for citizens and entrepreneurs.
• Satellite monitoring systems to combat illegal mining activities.
• Stringent enforcement of the e-Ravanna system for mineral transportation, significantly reducing revenue leakages.
• Adoption of sustainable mining practices in ecologically sensitive areas.

In response to the state’s achievement in the SMRI, CM Dhami remarked that this acknowledgment is indicative of the “strong governance model, transparent policies, and people-centric approach” of his administration.

“Our government has eradicated corruption and obscurity in the mining sector by establishing a responsible and modern system,” he asserted.

“Our focus is not on the exploitation of natural resources but rather on their sensitive and sustainable management.”

He commended the officers and staff of the Mining Department, describing the achievement as a “collective effort of Team Uttarakhand.”

CM Dhami highlighted the success of the new mining policy, noting a substantial increase of Rs 800 crore in mining revenue, a figure that he believes clearly reflects the efficacy and transparency of the state’s new system.

Furthermore, he disclosed that representatives from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir have been visiting Uttarakhand to observe its mining governance model and are working on adapting similar frameworks in their respective states.

Officials from the Mining Department have indicated that long-term strategies are being put into action to ensure proper regulation, continuous monitoring, and protection of local interests in the sector. In the future, the state intends to enhance its focus on scientific mineral exploration while upholding stringent environmental protections.

The Uttarakhand Government aspires to establish the state as a national exemplar of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship in the mining sector.