Govt likely to notify DMF guidelines tomorrow

The Centre is likely to notify the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) guidelines and the miners' contribution to it tomorrow.
The government will launch a programme, the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojna (PMKKKY) tomorrow, which will implement developmental and welfare schemes in areas affected by mining, an official source said.
On miners' contribution, a government official said that approval has been given to fix 10 per cent of royalty for the mining leases granted after January 2015 and 30 per cent for leases granted before January 12, 2015. Funds generated from this will be utilised by DMF to implement PMKKKY.

The government expects to raise around Rs 6,000 crore annually that will be used for various welfare schemes.
In March, Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015, was passed by Parliament, paving the way for auction of major mineral-bearing mines. It also stipulates creation of a DMF for the interest and benefit of the persons and areas affected by mining-related operations.
On utilisation of the funds, the official said: "At least 60 per cent of funds under PMKKKY will be utilised for high priority areas like drinking water supply, environment preservation and pollution control, primary & secondary healthcare, education, women & child welfare, etc."

Rest of the funds will be used in infrastructure projects like irrgation, energy as well as in enhancing environmental quality in the mining district, the official added.
DMF will have to consult the gram panchayats in the district while taking major decision and will have to provide periodic reports on the projects undertaken by them.