Driver managing checkpost in Chhotaudepur sparks controversy

A video circulating on social media from the Gola Gamdi checkpost in Chhotaudepur district has sparked administrative concerns and public debate. The footage allegedly shows royalty-related entries being made by a private driver in the absence of an authorised government officer, raising serious questions about procedural violations and departmental oversight.

According to claims made in the viral video, no responsible officer from the Mines and Minerals Department was present at the checkpost at the time. Instead, the work of royalty verification and register entry—legally assigned only to government employees—was reportedly being handled by a private driver. This has led to allegations of negligence and violation of official norms.

Responding to the allegation, the concerned royalty inspector pointed to the acute shortage of staff and the practical difficulties faced during field duties. Expressing his frustration, he said, “There is a serious shortage of manpower. when we go out for a field inspection, who will manage the checkpost? I cannot carry the entire checkpost with me. We have only two staff members, six security guards, and one driver to manage all responsibilities.”

The incident has shifted focus from individual accountability to a broader systemic issue. With limited manpower, a single officer is expected to conduct field inspections while simultaneously overseeing checkpost operations, a task considered impractical under existing conditions.

Chhotaudepur, being a major mining region, requires constant monitoring to prevent royalty evasion. However, inadequate staff allocation has made effective supervision difficult. In such situations, authorities are often compelled to depend on drivers or security personnel for operational support—an arrangement that is legally questionable and administratively risky.