In a sharp reaction to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remark that the Odisha Government failed in utilising the District Mineral Fund (DMF), State Finance Minister Shashi Bhushan Behera and SC and ST Development Minister Ramesh Chandra Majhi refuted the charge saying the DMF has many loopholes and, thus, the State Government is executing many programmes for tribals’ development.
“DMF guidelines are very faulty. To strength socioeconomic standard of people, including tribals, in mineral bearing districts, the State Government is implementing many schemes on its own, despite having funds crunch. Our Government is committed for tribals’ development,” said Behera.
Majhi said there is no truth in Prime Minister’s allegation and wanted to know why Union Government at the centre has stopped giving funds towards payment of stipend for SC and ST students.