Nashik | Date 06, 2016: The district minerals foundation, which has around Rs 5.50 lakh in its kitty, is yet to chalk out development programmes for Nashik.
Hitherto, the districts would get funds from the mines and minerals department on a yearle basis to undertake various development works in areas where mining activities were carried out. But from this year, the foundation, headed by the district guardian minister, will get funds directly from the mining activity carried out in the areas and the amounts will be used for development activities.
While the body has been formed in Nashik district, the body has still not met and not been able to chalk out the programmes for funds spending. "We are yet to hold a meeting of the body to decide on the priority and non-priority expenses," a revenue department officer said.
"The body has with it around Rs 5.50 lakh collected from those engaged in mining activities across the district. Funds will keep trickling in across the year," the officer said. "We have sought timings from the district guardian minster to finalise it at the earliest to ensure that the development projects get approved before the coming elections," the officer added.
Rajesh Andhale, a businessman, said, "That the funds will be available at the local level is a welcome move. Earlier, one would have to visit the district mining office, which would propose the works to the directorate of geology and mining, Nagpur. The director would get sanctions from the central government and approve it."
In case of use of funds, 60% have to be spent on the priority sectors like drinking water in villages where mining activity is being carried out, environment protection, conservation and pollution control activities, health and education and women, child and senior citizens' development. The remaining 40% are expected to be spent on irrigation, energy and water shed development projects.
(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)