Even after about two and a half years since the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) came into being, the knowledge and awareness about it still remains very poor among the people of mining-affected areas.
In an awareness meeting held by the New Delhi-based nonprofit think tank, Centre for Science and Environment in Kendujhar recently, such was the response of various Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) functionaries from various mining affected blocks.
Among 35 PRI members from various mining affected blocks of Kendujhar district who were present at the meeting, only two said they knew about the DMF. The blocks from where people came include Joda, Hatadihi and Harichandanpur. PRI members from another key mining-affected block Banspal, who could not come, also expressed similar level of knowledge in later communication.
The key purpose of the meeting was to interact with PRI functionaries of various mining districts to increase awareness about the prospects of DMF, and also to understand critical issues ailing those areas that can be addressed through DMF funds.
Many of the PRI members thought that it would be helpful if they were able to participate on DMF Committee meetings. “This is a key concern as people’s participation and knowledge must improve,” said Srestha Banerjee, Programme Manager of Environmental Governance unit of Centre for Science and Environment. “Unless they are aware and their needs are captured through a consultative process, the DMF can never be successful in addressing the needs of people of mining-affected areas as the law required,” she added.
Naran Purty, Sarpanch of Rasol Panchayat of Harichandanpur, said that their area is mining-affected and therefore they would like to be part of discussions and provide inputs on what is required to improve local situation.
The PRI members also expressed concern of various critical issues in their areas that they hope can be addressed by DMF funds. Jayanti Banara ,ZP member from Joda block expressed concern over issues such as clean drinking water, primary healthcare facilities and doctors in hospitals and teachers in primary schools. Nine other members also present from Joda block expressed similar concerns. Jayanti Samal from Hatadihi block said that they had “only 2 PHCs for 7 Gram panchayats and most of the time doctors are not available at those two PHCs also”. Representatives from Hatadihi also expressed concerns over clean drinking water supply, drainage system, school infrastructure and electricity access in their areas. Overall, some of the fundamental issues flagged by the majority include clean water, primary healthcare, adequate doctors and staff, ambulances, adequate and qualified teachers in schools, local livelihoods and full-time employment.
The members also showed keen interest in understanding what can be some of the sustainable and viable projects related to clean water, healthcare, livelihood, electricity access in their areas.
The aspiration was clearly for more durable infrastructure and resources. For example, for clean water purification mechanisms and purified water supply was demanded. Similarly to improve electricity access, PRI representatives discussed the possibility of solar power. There were also important feedbacks for improving healthcare and education resources.
A key way identified was to increase the salary of health professionals and teachers to attract good people to the area. Therefore there is a lot for DMF now to consider. From awareness raising programmes to undertaking bottom-up planning for capturing people’s needs in the right way, the DMF functionaries need to address all of this to make Kendujhar DMF a successful model.