Bhubanewar | Jun 29, 2015: The Odisha government will notify the structure of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) as proposed in the amended Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act by the end of July, informed Steel & Mines Minister Prafulla Mallick on Sunday.

Mallick said the draft rules for the purpose are lying with the Chief Minister and are expected to be given approval by the end of this month.

“Draft rules for the purpose have been framed and are with the Chief Minister awaiting his approval. I am hopeful it would be approved by the end of this month and by July the programme will take off,” Mallick said.

The DMF will be set up in the mineral rich districts. The foundation would be chaired by the respective district collector with deputy directors of mines and officials of mining companies operating in the region as members.

The funds accruing to the DMF would be utilized for overall development of ecology of the area, which has been degraded by rampant mining. Interventions in areas like education, health, roads and drinking water will be also undertaken by the foundation.

(Source: http://odishasuntimes.com/)