District Mineral Foundations (DMFs)

Why in news?

• District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) have been set up in as many as 644 districts of 23 states/UTs which have DMF rules in place. Seventeen states/UTs of the country have already formed DMF in all the districts.

About DMFs

• Section 9B of the Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) (MMDR) Act, 1957 empowers the State Governmentto establish District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Trust as a non-profit body in all the districts affected by mining for the benefit of the people and areas affected by mining activities. 
• The object of the DMF is to work for the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining related operations in such a manner as may be prescribed by the State Government.

About Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKY)

• The Ministry of Mines launched the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) in 2015.
• It is meant to provide for the welfare of areas and people affected by mining related operations, using the funds generated by District Mineral Foundations (DMFs).
• Objectives
  • To implement various developmental and welfare projects/programs in mining affected areas, and these projects/ programs will be complementing the existing ongoing schemes/projects of State and Central Government.
  • To minimize/mitigate the adverse impacts, during and after mining, on the environment, health and socioeconomics of people in mining districts.
  • To ensure long-term sustainable livelihoods for the affected people in mining areas.
• PMKKKY provides for utilization of at least 60% of the funds for high priority areas like: (i) drinking water supply; (ii) environment preservation and pollution control measures; (iii) health care; (iv) education; (v) welfare of women and children; (vi) welfare of aged and disabled people; (vii) skill development; and (viii) sanitation.
• The remaining 40% of the funds shall be utilized for other priority areas (i) physical infrastructure; (ii) irrigation; (iii) energy and watershed development; and (iv) any other measures for enhancing environmental quality in mining districts.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Consider the following statements:

1. Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) (MMDR) Act, 1957 empowers the Central Government to establish District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in all the districts affected by mining.
2. Seventeen states/UTs have formed DMF in all the districts.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer