Stating that District Mineral Foundation is a vehicle through which the socio-economic status of the mining-affected regions can be changed for better, the state government has expanded the areas of works to be undertaken under it.
It has included the works related to education, health, agriculture, catering the need of drinking water, nutritious food, food processing and conservation of culture along with the construction works being undertaken now.
Making necessary amendments in the Chhattisgarh Zila Khanij Sansthan Nyas Niyam-2015 in the cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, the state government expanded the areas under which the DMF money could be utilized.
It was also decided to constitute a state level cell for the purpose of effective monitoring the works under DMF and ascertaining better education and employment opportunities to the affected youths.
In the districts where the DMF amount is greater than Rs 25 crore, survey and social audit would be done through institutes registered under the foundation. A vision plan would be prepared with the help of them for deciding about the utilization of the money.
Notable, the DMF has been instituted to work for the interest and benefits of people affected by mining related operations. It was instituted under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2005. As per law, the DMF has to be set up in all mining districts of the country and mining companies have to contribute resources equivalent to 10%-30% of the royalty for this fund.