Why mineral governance needed reform
Chhattisgarh’s Khanij Online 2.0 and the Digital Turn in Mineral Governance: Mineral-rich States play a decisive role in India’s industrial growth. Chhattisgarh, with its vast coal, iron ore, bauxite, and limestone reserves, is central to this ecosystem. Yet, mineral administration has historically suffered from fragmented data, manual approvals, and limited real-time oversight.
These weaknesses created gaps between extraction, transportation, and royalty collection. Compliance costs rose for legitimate operators, while enforcement agencies struggled to monitor production and dispatch accurately. The result was revenue leakage and reduced public trust.
Static GK fact: Mining is a State subject under the Constitution, but regulation is guided by central laws like the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
Khanij Online as a governance intervention
Chhattisgarh initiated its digital reset in 2017 with the launch of Khanij Online. The platform unified lease management, transit permissions, vehicle tracking, and payment systems into a single digital workflow. This shift replaced file-based approvals with rule-driven automation.
The system connected mining leaseholders, licensees, transporters, and enforcement officials on one interface. By digitising approvals and payments, it reduced discretionary decision-making and standardised compliance across districts.
Measurable outcomes from Khanij Online 1.0
The initial phase delivered tangible administrative gains. Real-time tracking of mineral production and dispatch became possible across the State. Mandatory barcoded e-Transit Passes and GPS-enabled vehicles reduced illegal movement of minerals.
Royalty, District Mineral Foundation contributions, National Mineral Exploration Trust payments, and cess were integrated into a single digital transaction. This consolidation simplified compliance and improved revenue certainty for the State.
Static GK Tip: The District Mineral Foundation is a non-profit trust created to ensure mining-affected communities directly benefit from mineral revenues.
Why Khanij Online 2.0 marks an upgrade
Khanij Online 2.0 reflects the recognition that digital systems must evolve with scale and complexity. The upgraded platform is hosted on a secure government-approved cloud, ensuring system stability, data security, and disaster recovery.
Mobile applications for Android and iOS extend governance to the field level. Inspectors and operators can now upload, verify, and access data in real time. Automated MIS reports enable continuous monitoring instead of delayed audits.
From compliance to evidence-based administration
A defining feature of Khanij Online 2.0 is its emphasis on analytics-driven governance. Real-time dashboards link mineral dispatch with royalty flows and social sector contributions. This creates an end-to-end accountability chain from extraction to community welfare.
Online grievance redressal supported by a 24×7 helpdesk strengthens institutional responsiveness. Decisions on environmental safeguards and district-level development can now rely on verified operational data.
Static GK fact: Evidence-based policymaking uses real-time data and analytics to improve administrative outcomes and reduce discretion.
Ease of doing business with stronger enforcement
The platform challenges the assumption that transparency hinders business. Standardised digital processes lower transaction costs for compliant operators while increasing detection risks for violations. Predictable logistics and clear rules benefit sectors like steel, cement, and aluminium manufacturing.
This balance between facilitation and enforcement demonstrates that clean governance can coexist with industrial growth.
A replicable model for development goals
Khanij Online 2.0 illustrates how digital architecture can correct structural weaknesses in natural resource governance. By embedding accountability within systems rather than individuals, Chhattisgarh offers a model for other States.
As India pursues long-term development goals, such platforms show how technology can transform public resources into measurable and equitable outcomes.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Chhattisgarh’s Khanij Online 2.0 and the Digital Turn in Mineral Governance:
| Topic | Detail |
| Platform Name | Khanij Online 2.0 |
| Sector Covered | Mineral administration and mining logistics |
| Key Innovation | Real-time tracking and automated compliance |
| Governance Impact | Reduced discretion and revenue leakage |
| Revenue Linkage | Royalties, DMF, NMET, and cess integrated |
| Replicability | Applicable to other mineral-rich States |
