Bhubaneswar: A preliminary workshop (Inception Workshop) on concurrent evaluation and assessment of various developmental works and project implementation using the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds was held today at Lok Seva Bhawan.
The workshop was chaired by Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg. The workshop focused on the districts of Angul, Jajpur, and Jharsuguda.
According to an official press release, the meeting saw participation from the District Collectors of Angul, Jajpur, and Jharsuguda via virtual mode, alongside directors and senior officials from departments such as Planning and Coordination, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Rural Development, and other relevant sectors, who were present at Lok Seva Bhawan.
Representatives from “Grant Thornton,” an internationally recognized evaluation agency, also attended.
This evaluation aligns with the provisions of the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) and the Odisha District Mineral Foundation Rules. It aims to assess the welfare-oriented initiatives of the State and Central governments in areas affected by mining activities.
Discussions in the workshop covered the utilization and management of DMF funds, the success of projects in achieving their objectives, and how effectively these projects meet the needs of beneficiaries.
The evaluation will assist in identifying challenges in project implementation, analyzing program management for selected projects, and supporting stakeholders and institutions in future planning.
The evaluation will also focus on ensuring sustainable socio-economic development for communities in mining-affected villages. The agency will provide recommendations and support the government in evaluating project effectiveness.
Detailed presentations were made on the overall framework of the evaluation study, steps taken so far, data collection through questionnaires, project completion timelines, and the support required from District Collectors, who also shared their views on the matter.
The evaluation will assess the availability of quality healthcare, education, drinking water, roads and transportation, water and sanitation systems, housing and infrastructure, livelihoods, skill development, employment opportunities, and environmental impact initiatives in these areas.
The agency will conduct research and surveys in these domains. The evaluation is expected to be completed by September 2025.
Departments such as Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Health and Family Welfare, School and Mass Education, Human Resources, Skill Development and Technical Education, Women and Child Development, and District Collectors at the district level have been advised to cooperate in this initiative.
