The State Government has asked Collectors of all mineral bearing districts to create District Mineral Funds (DMFs) by March-end this year.
Steel and Mines Minister Prafulla Mallick informed this to reporters here on Saturday.
DMFs will take care of developmental activities in mineral bearing districts, according to Central guidelines. “We have asked concerned district Collectors to create DMF account by March. Allocation of funds for various developmental activities in the affected areas will start flowing from April,” Mallick said.
The Minister also informed that existing mining leaseholders would be required to pay 30 per cent of the total royalty to DMFs, which would be set aside for various developmental activities in the affected areas of districts.