New Delhi: Odisha has been lauded on a national platform for its proactive approach in strengthening District Mineral Foundation (DMF) operations, receiving felicitation for adopting the revised Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) 2024 guidelines into its DMF Rules.
The recognition came during a significant national workshop that brought together senior dignitaries, District Magistrates/Collectors, and representatives from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to underscore the Ministry of Mines’ commitment to transparent, innovative, and convergent DMF initiatives.
Union Minister Coal and Mines Shri G Kishan Reddy chaired the workshop, held today, featured impactful sessions and presentations by four thematic groups of District Magistrates/Collectors, who are the heads of DMFs. These groups offered valuable insights and recommendations on critical areas including DMF transparency, innovative practices, implementation challenges, and capacity building. The deliberations highlighted the concerted efforts being made across the nation to ensure the effective utilization of DMF funds for the welfare of mining-affected communities.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of “Coffee Table Book 2.0,” a publication showcasing transformative projects funded by DMFs across India. This book serves as a testament to the tangible benefits derived from these initiatives in mining-affected regions.
Odisha stood out alongside states like Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Goa for its swift and effective adoption of the updated PMKKKY 2024 guidelines. This proactive step by the Odisha government signifies its dedication to aligning state-level DMF rules with the latest national framework, aiming for enhanced accountability and impact.
While the state was not specifically mentioned for timely closure of annual audit reports in this particular felicitation, its general commitment to adopting new guidelines points towards a broader dedication to robust oversight and transparent financial management within its DMFs.
The workshop concluded with a comprehensive action plan for all districts and states, emphasizing the need for focused implementation of the PMKKKY Guidelines 2024 in their respective DMFs. Odisha’s recognition serves as an encouragement for continued efforts in this crucial area of socio-economic development.