Article:
Introduction: Innovations in Key Mining Districts
A recent report by the non-profit organization Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has revealed innovative developments taking place in two main mining districts, Keonjhar in Odisha and Anuppur in Madhya Pradesh (MP). The districts have instituted creches for the children of local inhabitants, utilizing funds from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).
Keonjhar and Anuppur: Targeting Malnutrition
Keonjhar, recognized as the country’s largest iron ore producer, also holds the record for the highest DMF accrual nationwide. Both Keonjhar and Anuppur are using creches to reduce malnutrition among pre-Anganwadi children through community engagement. The creches’ operation is facilitated by a local non-profit expert organization that emphasizes community involvement and employs local women as creche workers.
Focusing on Dietary Needs of Young Children
The creches give special attention to catering to the dietary requirements of children aged between 0-3 years. Moreover, the districts are adopting diligent practices to track the nutritional improvements that children attending the creches make, presenting such progress as evidence of the project’s success.
Understanding the District Mineral Foundation
The DMF is a trust established as a non-profit entity under the Ministry of Mines, as per the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Amendment Act, (MMDRA) 2015. It aims to promote the welfare and interests of persons and regions impacted by mining-related operations in those districts affected by the mining works.
Mining lease holders are obligated by the Act to contribute to DMF funds which are used for various purposes.
Allocating and Using DMF Funds
Respective allocations show that 60% of the fund is set aside for high-priority areas such as drinking water provision, healthcare, sanitation, education, skill enhancement, women and child care, welfare of the elderly and disabled individuals, and environmental conservation. In contrast, 40% of the fund is used to develop physical infrastructure, irrigation projects, energy, and watershed development.
The DMF operates under the jurisdiction of the relevant State Government and is expected to implement the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY), a program inaugurated on 17 September 2015. The program was designed to improve the wellbeing of mining areas and their affected populations, using the funds generated through these contributions.
