Dikhyaa Mohanty 
In order to evaluate the performance and development of the District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) throughout Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi presided over a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan on Tuesday. During the debate, it was revealed that till the end of October this year, DMFs in 11 districts had jointly gathered ₹34,052 crore, of which roughly 55 percent has been spent thus far. The Chief Minister underlined the need to speed investment so that important public services reach people, particularly those living in mining-affected regions.
Officials informed that after the recent reconstitution of DMFs, Trust Board meetings have already been completed in 10 districts. Majhi directed departmental secretaries to submit the annual and audit reports of all DMFs without delay. He also clarified that funds generated from minor minerals may be utilised anywhere within the respective district, stressing that such resources should focus on fulfilling core needs including education, healthcare, clean drinking water, sanitation, and transportation.
He instructed authorities to ensure delivery of all basic services in a saturation mode for communities residing in and around mining areas. The Chief Minister further ordered immediate convening of DMF Trust Board meetings to expedite pending projects. He said that directly and indirectly affected villages must be identified and action taken to control pollution in localities adjacent to mining zones.
