Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Tuesday chaired an important meeting to review the functioning and progress of District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) across the state.
During the meeting, it was revealed that Rs 34,052 crore had been collected from 11 DMF districts by October this year, with around 55 per cent already utilised.
The Chief Minister urged officials to expedite spending to ensure the timely delivery of basic services to the public.
Additionally, it was noted that the Trust Board meeting for 10 districts will be convened once the DMF is reconstituted.
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Majhi directed the departmental secretary to ensure every DMF submits an annual report along with an audit report.
He also instructed that DMF funds collected from minor minerals be utilised within the same district, prioritising essential needs such as education, health, water supply, and transportation.
Emphasising comprehensive coverage, the Chief Minister directed that all areas near mining zones receive full basic facilities in saturation mode and that measures be taken to prevent pollution in nearby settlements.
The meeting also underscored the need to hold DMF Trust Board meetings to speed up projects and identify villages directly or indirectly affected by mining activities.
The Chief Minister further directed that an endowment fund be created in districts with annual DMF collections of Rs 10 crore or more.
This fund should be invested in government securities, scheduled bank bonds, or fixed deposits to generate long-term livelihood opportunities.
