Odisha Speeds Up DMF Spending, Orders Audits and Endowment Funds for Mining Districts
The directives aim to accelerate basic services in mining areas, pairing tighter oversight with investments to sustain livelihoods after mining ends.
Overview
- Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered officials to fast‑track use of District Mineral Foundation money following a review on Tuesday evening.
- By the end of October, the 11 mining districts had collected Rs 34,052 crore, with about 55% already utilised.
- Every DMF must submit an annual report along with an audit report as the state tightens governance requirements.
- DMF Trust Boards will hold sittings to expedite projects and identify mining‑affected villages, with meetings for 10 districts to be convened after reconstitution.
- Spending will prioritise education, healthcare, water supply and transport, include pollution‑control measures near habitations, keep minor‑mineral receipts within the same district, and create endowment funds in districts with annual collections above Rs 10 crore for long‑term livelihoods.