The Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojna (PMKKKY), Indian Government’s flagship program, has been instrumental in the administration of the District Mineral Funds (DMF). By November 2018, these funds had amassed a total of Rs. 22,859 crore. However, only Rs. 5,529 crore from this vast pool has been put to use, causing concern over potential diversion of these funds by State governments to allocate to other regions or for other, unrelated purposes.
Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojna (PMKKKY): An Overview
The objective of PMKKKY is manifold: it seeks to alleviate adverse impacts resulting from mining activities both during, and after operations on the environment, health, and socio-economic conditions of local residents. The initiative also strives to ensure livelihood sustainability for those affected. It operates through District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) under which the collected funds are used by mining district representatives.
District Mineral Foundation (DMF): A Closer Look
The DMF is a trust established under the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Amendment Act (MMDRA) of 2015. This non-profit body operates in districts experiencing significant effects due to mining operations. The DMF serves as a financial structure to facilitate resource allocation for various welfare projects. It utilizes 60% of collected funds on high-priority areas comprising drinking water supply, healthcare, sanitation, education, skill development, women and child welfare, senior citizen and disabled individual welfare, and environmental conservation. The remaining 40% caters to physical infrastructure, irrigation, energy, and watershed development.
Fund Utilization Breakdown
| Area of Utilization | Percentage of Fund Allocation |
|---|---|
| High priority areas | 60% |
| Physical infrastructure, irrigation, energy, and watershed development | 40% |
National Consumer Day: Observing Consumer Rights and Protections
On December 24th each year, India observes National Consumer Day, focusing on a specific theme. In the recent celebration, the emphasis was “Timely Disposal of Consumer Complaints”. This day marks the presidential assent received by the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 which seeks to safeguard consumers against various forms of exploitation, such as faulty goods, deficient services and unfair trade practices.
Recently, the Lok Sabha passed the Consumer Protection Bill 2018 with an aim to replace the three-decade-old Consumer Protection Act, 1986. This new bill promotes greater consumer protection in India’s growing and increasingly complex economic landscape.