District Mineral Foundations:
The Allahabad High Court recently held that the formation of District Mineral Foundations is beneficial legislation and must be construed liberally for those who are affected negatively by mining operations.
- DMFs are statutory bodies in India established by the state governments by notification.
- They derive their legal status from the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, as amended as the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015.
- In any district affected by mining-related operations, the State Government shall, by notification, establish a trust, as a non-profit body, to be called the DMF.
- It is used To work in the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining-related operations in a manner as may be prescribed by the respective State Government.
- The operation of DMFs falls under the jurisdiction of the relevant State Government.
- Composition and functions of the DMF are prescribed by the State Governments.
- It is funded through the contributions from the holders of major or minor mineral concessions in the district, as may be prescribed by the Central or State Government.
- The Central Government has notified the rates of contribution payable by miners to the DMFs.
- The Fund available with the Trust shall be used for:
- The overall development of the area affected by mining-related operations in the District in accordance with the Annual Action Plan prepared by the Trustees of the Foundation for the purpose.
- Creation of local infrastructure for socio-economic purposes.
- Providing, maintaining, or upgrading community assets and services for the local population in the area affected by mining-related operations.
- Organising or conducting training programmes to skill development and capacity building for creating employment and self-employment capabilities.
- Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY):
- The Ministry of Mines launched PMKKKY in 2015 for the welfare of areas and people affected by mining-related operations, using the funds generated by DMFs.
- Objectives is To implement various developmental and welfare projects in mining-affected areas, complementing the existing ongoing schemes of the State and Central Government , To minimize/mitigate the adverse impacts, during and after mining, on the environment, health, and socio-economics of people in mining districts,to ensure long-term sustainable livelihoods for the affected people in mining areas.
