BHUBANESWAR | Nov 24, 2015: Despite the State Government notifying the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) rules two months back, mineral bearing districts are yet to constitute DMF Trust as mandated under the Mines (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015.

Contribution made by mining lease holders to the DMF has remained unutilised as districts concerned have not registered the DMF Trust, constituted the Board of Trustees and executive committee to regulate the functioning of the trust.

Mineral rich Keonjhar district is reported to have a collection of over `1500 crore from miners who have been making their contribution since January, 2015.

The Centre notified the rates of contribution payable by miners holding lease of major minerals to the District Mineral Foundation in September.

While miners, who have executed lease before January 12, 2015, are contributing 30 per cent of the royalty to the DMF, it is 10 per cent for those who were granted lease after January 12.

The objective of the DMF is to work for the benefit of people and areas affected by mining operations. The Board of Trustees is responsible for formulation of the annual budget and action plan for the Trust while the executive committee monitors the work.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Mines has issued a directive to the State Government under Section 20A of the Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 1957, laying down the guidelines for implementation of Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY). The new guidelines are to be incorporated in the rules framed for the DMFs.

Informed sources from the mining sector said the State Government has collected about `4000 crore from the mining lease holders as net present value (NPV) of forest land falling under the lease area and this fund has also remained idle.

The conditions imposed on the miners to operate their mines include payment of NPV dues and complying with the Supreme Court order to be pronounced in the final disposal of the cases relating to these mines as well as pending orders on recommendations of the Justice MB Shah Commission of inquiry.

(Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/)