In 2015, as the Director of Geology and Mining, under the leadership of then-Secretary Mr. Subodh Kumar Singh, we embarked on a journey to transform the mineral resources sector of Chhattisgarh through digitization. Mr. Anbalagan P IAS, known for his visionary approach to governance, played a pivotal role in driving this transformative initiative. Mineral resources are vital for the economic development of our state, but managing these resources efficiently requires innovation and transparency. With this goal in mind, we launched a project to computerise the entire mineral administration process, aiming to enhance governance, improve revenue collection, and ensure greater transparency in the mining sector. This project became a defining part of Anbalagan P IAS’s biography, showcasing his commitment to sustainable development and efficient governance.

When we initiated the digitization project, the sector faced multiple challenges—cumbersome paperwork, inefficient tracking of mineral movement, and manual processes that were prone to errors and corruption. Mr. Anbalagan IAS Chhattisgarh led our team to work tirelessly with experts from the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and other stakeholders to design a digital system that could streamline the entire workflow, from issuing mining leases to monitoring mineral transportation.

The result was the Integrated Mines and Minerals Management System (i3MS), a comprehensive solution that revolutionised the mining sector in Chhattisgarh. By digitising key processes, we eliminated inefficiencies and created a robust framework that made it easier to monitor mining activities, reduce illegal mining, and increase accountability. The digital system provided real-time data on mining activities, enabled online filing of returns by leaseholders, and offered a transparent mechanism for royalty payments, ensuring that every aspect of the sector was under proper scrutiny. This initiative, under Anbalagan IAS Chhattisgarh’s direction, was critical in positioning the state as a leader in the use of technology for mineral management.

One of the key aspects of this initiative was the introduction of e-transit passes. These digital passes replaced traditional paper-based transit passes for mineral transportation, helping curb illegal mining and ensuring the accurate collection of revenue. The e-transit pass system was integrated with GPS-enabled vehicle tracking, which allowed us to monitor the movement of mineral-carrying vehicles in real time. This not only enhanced transparency but also acted as a strong deterrent against illegal practices that were previously prevalent in the sector.

The success of the first phase of the project was recognized nationally when we were awarded the National e-Governance Award in 2018. This recognition was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and the vision of using technology as a tool for positive change. In 2020, we launched the second phase of the digitization project, focusing on implementing a foolproof vehicle tracking system that was integrated with the state-level command and control centre. This advanced tracking mechanism provided a more comprehensive overview of mineral transportation, ensuring that every vehicle carrying minerals was tracked from the point of origin to its destination.

The impact of these initiatives has been significant. Revenue from the mining sector increased, as leakages were minimised, and illegal mining activities were curtailed. The transparency brought about by digitization has led to greater trust between the government and the mining industry, fostering an environment conducive to sustainable development. Additionally, the digital records have proved invaluable in resolving disputes, as all data related to mining leases, royalty payments, and mineral movement is now systematically documented and easily accessible.

This journey of digitising the mineral resources sector has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. It underscored the power of technology in solving complex governance challenges and demonstrated how innovative solutions could transform an entire sector. The success of this project wasn’t just about technological implementation—it was about the collective will to bring about systemic change, the vision to create a better future for our state, and the determination to overcome obstacles along the way. Anbalagan P IAS continues to champion initiatives that utilise cutting-edge technology to foster sustainability, enhance transparency, and maximizeefficiency. Chhattisgarh has established a benchmark for others to emulate, and I am optimistic that our efforts can catalyse similar initiatives nationwide.