DMF lightens up the life of the mining-affected residents in Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh holds a special place in the country in terms of mineral resources. While the production of minerals leads to development of the area through mineral-based industries, new employment opportunities are also generated. However, the other side of the coin is the problem faced by people living in the area. In such a situation, it becomes the responsibility of the government to take special care of the interests and welfare of the local people from the mining affected area. The recent efforts, in this regard, are highly commendable, and what is more applaudable is that these responsibilities are being discharged with seriousness.
The government is ensuring participation of mining lease holders for the interests and welfare of the people living in the area affected by mining operations. For this, the provision of the formation of the District Mineral Institute Trust in the Mineral Act was made in the previous government. However, many shortcomings were being felt in this provision by the experts as the participation of public representatives was not being ensured. Moreover, the participation of local people was also minimal. Apart from this, proper utilisation of funds was not being done for the welfare of the directly affected people. In simple words, those in need were not getting benefitted from the allotted funds. Several other similar shortcomings were also observed in the preceding provision.
In order to overcome these shortcomings and to provide proper benefits to the affected local people in the fields of health, education, environment and sanitation, the state government has made several important reforms in the old provision to provide benefits directly to the affected people.
Inclusive development in all districts of Chhattisgarh through DMF
The Chhattisgarh government has utilised the DMF fund significantly for development in the state. All sector including education, health, infrastructure development, electricity, water, sanitation, etc have been developed with the help of DMF fund in all districts of Chhattisgarh. The fund is also used in building Atmanand Government English-medium schools in various districts of state. The cases of malnutrition have also dipped with the help of DMF. Moreover, it has been used in improving the health infrastructure and providing relief to the people during Coronavirus crisis. The changes can be felt in almost all the districts of state, however, the notable examples are mentioned below.
Representation of public representatives ensured
The primary step taken by the government is to ensure representation of public representatives in the trust. For which, the minister in charge of the district has been appointed as ex-officio chairman of the governing council. Along with this, all the MLAs of the district have been appointed as its ex-officio members. Previously, according to the old provision, the collector of the district used to be the chairman of the governing council.
Increased representation of locals
The other significant change in the provision made by the Bhupesh Baghel’s government is the increased participation of local residents of the affected area. It is worth mentioning that in the previous provision, only those affected by mining were specially not given enough space in the council. As per the amendment, the state government has decided to make provision for the appointment of at least 10 members of the Gram Sabha, residents of the directly affected area in the council compared to the earlier provision of nominating only two sarpanchs.
Benefit directly to the needy
The state government further makes necessary changes in the preceding provision to make the amount received in the trust directly to the needy. As per the amendments, 50 per cent of the amount received in the trust will be used for the welfare of the directly affected area/persons. This has resulted in economic and social development of the residents. It is to be noted that in the previous provision, the entire district was considered affected and the amount was spent at will and only a part of the profit reached the needy.
Five-year vision document under incubation
As per the amended provisions, beneficiaries benefiting from the trust fund will be identified in order to prepare a five-year vision document as per the requirement of the affected area/residents, for an overall development of these areas. This work has already started in the Dantewada, Korba and Bastar districts.
New sectors included
New sectors have been included in the works edited by the trust fund for sustainable livelihood, public transport, preserving cultural values and promoting youth activities. It is being implemented in Dantewada, Jashpur, Surguja and Kanker districts. Many important efforts are being made in the field of drinking water, health and education under the leadership of the CM, the trust funds are being fully utilised in the state. Solar energy-based project in drinking water, health care facilities in government hospitals, providing educational fees/hostel fees in government institutions for higher education to family members of directly affected areas in education as well as all competitive examinations. Provision has been made for coaching and residential training. Sankalp coaching in Jashpur district is an excellent example of this.
Apart from this, storage and processing units of agricultural products are being encouraged along with food processing, minor forest produce and forest processing. Additionally, organic farming is also being promoted and employment opportunities are being provided to women. Through this manure is being prepared for agriculture. Cleanliness of drains and intensive plantation works are being encouraged. Whereas previously, the description of only agricultural machinery/non-standard seeds were of prime focus. Now in infrastructure related works, only 20 per cent amount is being used in sectors other than drinking water, health and education.
Monitoring of trust works
Monitoring of tasks amended by the trust is necessary. Hence, it has been decided to hold a meeting of the state level monitoring committee once a year. A provision has been made to set up a state level District Mineral Institute Trust Cell to monitor the works of the trust.
Successful execution of Chief Minister’s flagship scheme
The state government has issued instructions to spend the amount from DMF in this work to solve the problem of health, malnutrition in the affected areas and to make employment to agriculture works, the results are very encouraging. In Dantewada district, malnutrition has decreased by four per cent over the previous year. Similarly, only 50 thousand patients have been treated free of cost in Dantewada at Haat Bazar Clinic since June 2019.
Improvement of Maharani Hospital of Jagdalpur
Human resources and medical supplies were absolutely required for the operation of Maharani Hospital, the largest government hospital in Bastar division. It was supplied from the DMFT item by the district administration there. Today, thousands of patients are receiving their treatment in this hospital.
Cultural values are being protected in Dantewada district
The district administration is preserving cultural values through Dantewada district DMF item. Under this, work is being done to preserve the priceless culture and heritage of the tribals by rejuvenating Devgudi in 143 gram panchayats of the district and developing it into a tourist centre. This initiative is proving effective in further strengthening the tribal culture and values.
Mungeli district fighting with malnutrition
DMF is helping to free Mungeli district from malnutrition. About 2,400 children of the district are being benefited from this scheme.
There are various examples in the state that strongly establishes that the amount of DMF is being used better now than earlier.