News: Union Minister of Coal and Mines released operational guidelines of ‘Aspirational DMF Programme’ for the convergence of DMF initiatives with the Aspirational District Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Block Programmes (ABP).
About Aspirational DMF Programme
- The programme is launched for the convergence of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) initiatives with the Aspirational District Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Block Programmes (ABP).
- Launched by: Ministry of Coal and Mines
- Feature: Its guidelines are designed to strategically align District Mineral Foundation (DMF) planning and implementation with the development priorities identified under ADP and ABP, which focus on improving socio-economic indicators in India’s most underserved regions.
About District Mineral Foundation (DMF)
- It is a trust set up as a non-profit body, in those districts affected by the mining works, through amendment in the Mine and Minerals Development Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2015.
- Objective: The objective of District Mineral Foundation is to work for the interest of the benefit of the persons and areas affected mining related operations in such manner as may be prescribed by the State Government.
- Funding: It is funded through the contributions from the holder of major or minor mineral concession in the district.
- Composition: The composition and functions of the District Mineral Foundation shall be such as may be prescribed by the State Government.
- PMKKKY: The Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana is implemented by the District Mineral Foundations from the funds accruing to them in terms of the MMDR Act, 1957.
- PMKKKY provides for utilization of at least 70% 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 ix) housing, (x) agriculture, and (xi) animal husbandry.
- While, up to 30% 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 district.
