Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, June 28: The state government which had been contemplating constitution of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) to monitor activities of major mineral districts and protect the interests of people in mining belts would shape up the outfit by July this year, hinted Steel and Mines Minister Prafulla Mallik.
“The proposal regarding establishment of DMF has already been sent to the Chief Minister,” the minister said adding, “the DMF structure is likely to be notified by July following the CM’s consent.” The DMF is likely to be operational with immediate effect, sources said.
The DMFs will be created in the mineral bearing districts as per the provisions of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2015 which has been notified March 27. The primary objective of establishing the foundation is to safeguard the interests of affected persons in that district.
As per the regulations, the state government is required to establish the District Mineral Foundation in the districts where mining operations, exploration and export take place. This is designed to address the long-time grievances of the civil society with people affected by mining operations.
The MMDR Amendment Act also stipulates that the miner shall also contribute a particular per cent of the royalty to the fund which shall not exceed one-third (33 per cent) of the royalty.
At a meeting of the Central Empowered Committee held recently, the state government has been reportedly advised to notify the DMF structure by September, 2015. However, sources indicated that the state government has not yet finalised the districts where the DMF would be set up.
Notably, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik June 3 asked the Rural development department to prepare a master plan within 45 days for overall development of seven mineral-rich districts in the State.
During the meeting it was revealed that seven mineral-rich districts such as Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Angul, Jharsuguda, Koraput, Jajpur and Rayagada are likely to receive funds under the DMF which will be spent for the development of the concerned districts.
