Bhubaneswar, December 2: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi convened a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan on Tuesday to assess the progress and functioning of District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) across the state. The meeting focused on optimizing the utilization of funds for the welfare of communities affected by mining operations.
During the discussions, it was disclosed that by the end of October this year, the DMFs in 11 districts had accumulated a total of ₹34,052 crore. Of this, approximately 55 percent has already been spent. The Chief Minister stressed the urgent need to expedite spending, ensuring that public services reach communities, especially those in mining-impacted areas.
Officials shared that following the recent reconstitution of DMFs, Trust Board meetings have been successfully held in 10 districts. Majhi directed departmental secretaries to promptly submit both the annual and audit reports for all DMFs, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in fund management. He also clarified that funds derived from minor minerals could be allocated anywhere within the respective districts, with a focus on meeting essential needs such as education, healthcare, clean drinking water, sanitation, and transportation.
To ensure comprehensive service delivery, Majhi ordered that basic services be provided in a "saturation mode" to communities living near mining zones. He also emphasized the need for immediate DMF Trust Board meetings to expedite the implementation of pending projects and to prioritize pollution control in areas near mining operations.
In a significant policy development, the Chief Minister announced that districts generating ₹10 crore or more annually from DMFs will create an Endowment Fund. This fund will be invested in government securities, scheduled bank bonds, or fixed deposits to ensure a long-term resource for generating sustainable livelihoods in areas where mineral reserves have been exhausted or mining activities have ceased.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary (Steel & Mines) Surendra Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswat Mishra, and several senior government officials.
