Based on the complaint from a mining affected tribal resident with the National Commission For Scheduled Tribes(NCST) about misutilisation of DMF funds, the NCST has sent notice to the Sundargarh Collector to provide information on the utilisation of the funds.

Rajendra Kumar Naik, a tribal and resident of Ratanpur of Hemgiri block, had written to the NCST on September 23 (Copy of the letter available with The Pioneer), alleging that funds of the District Mineral Foundation, meant for mining affected people, are not being utilized properly.

He also alleged in his letter that during the pandemic over the last two years and a half  under the supervision of Nikhil Pawan Kalyan , Chairperson-Cum-Managing Trustee of DMF (also District Magistrate-cum-Collector, Sundargarh), rampant misutilisation of DMF funds was made.

Naik, on behalf of the tribal community, had demanded an audit for the funds spent in the mining affected area in health, education and livelihood security and for beautification of urban area. He also demanded a comparative audit report both from urban and rural areas, to know the actual picture of utilisation of DMF funds.

Taking action, the Deputy Director, NCST has written to Sundargarh Collector Nikhil Pawan Kalyan to submit the facts on the funds use and an action taken report on the allegation within 15 days of receipt of the notice.

The Commission has also mentioned in its notice that if it does not receive a reply within the stipulated time, it may exercise the powers of Civil Court conferred on it under of Article 338A of the Constitution of India and issue summons for appearance in person or by a representative before it.