60 pc fund of DMF to be spent in high priority areas: govt

At least 60 per cent funds of the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), which are being spent for benefit of people affected by mining-related operations, will be utilised in high priority areas like drinking water and pollution control, Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said.

Tomar said in Lok Sabha today that to facilitate synergy in implementation of DMF across states, the central government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana with the objective of welfare of areas and people affected by mining-related operations.

At least 60 per cent of funds will be utilised in high priority areas like drinking water supply, environment preservation, pollution control measures, health care and education, he said during Question Hour.

Other high priority areas are welfare of women and children, welfare of aged and disabled people, skill development and sanitation.

The minister for mines said the rest of the funds will be utilised for physical infrastructure, irrigation, energy and watershed development and any other measures for enhancing environmental quality in mining districts.