DDC bats for utilizing DMFT funds in high priority sectors

Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Sept 3: District Mineral Foundation Trust Kathua, under the chairmanship of District Development Commissioner, Dr. Raghav Langer, held a meeting with the Trust members to discuss modalities for effective implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) besides utilization of the collected revenue.
ACD, Sukhpal Singh, District Mineral Officer, Dr. Rajinder Singh, CPO, Uttam Singh, CEO, Prem Nath, CAO, Arun Gupta, Engineers and BDOs besides the members of District Mineral Foundation Trust were present in the meeting.
PMKKKY is a programme meant for welfare of areas and people affected by mining-related operations, using the funds generated by District Mineral Foundation (DMF).
District Mineral Officer informed the meeting that the amount realized by the District Mineral Foundation Trust, 10% of total Royalty collected will be utilized on high priority areas such as Education, PHE, Health, Child Care, Afforestation, Skill Development and for Welfare and Development programs that will complement the existing ongoing schemes.
After threadbare discussion on proper utilisation of the collected amount and implementation of PMKKY scheme, the DDC directed DMO to release fund for already approved PHE schemes in Keerian-Gandial, Hatli and Bhed-Blore area after completing all codal formalities.
DDC further directed the officers of Medical Department to conduct survey around crusher sites and industrial area for water sampling and assessing other harmful effects due to mining.
CEO was directed to evaluate the damage caused to school infra in mining affected areas. Besides, furniture and sports equipment can also be provided to Schools from District Mineral Foundation in mining affected and its surrounding areas.
DFO was directed to identify areas where plantation drives and water conservation projects can be launched to minimize the effects of mining in effected zones.
To check the illegal transportation of minor minerals in Kathua district, DMO informed that Five Mineral Check Posts have been sanctioned for the district to be established at Pandori, Keerian-Gandial, Jagatpur, Koota and Ludera area. The work on Keerian-Gandial post was almost complete and the work on the remaining posts was in progress.