Bhubaneswar: A meeting on the utilisation of District Mineral Fund (DMF) funds was held on Wednesday evening at Lok Seva Bhawan, chaired by Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg. The meeting was attended by District Collectors of 11 major districts, Secretaries of various departments, and senior officers related to DMF-funded projects.
The meeting reviewed the status of DMF fund collection and expenditure, project implementation, and expenditure progress. The Development Commissioner directed the District Collectors to implement projects responsibly, conduct regular reviews, and update project implementation and fund utilisation information.
The meeting also emphasised ensuring essential basic amenities like education, health, drinking water, and road construction in areas affected by mines within a 5 km radius, using DMF funds. The District Collectors were asked to avoid duplication of projects and ensure that DMF funds are utilised effectively.
The Development Commissioner stressed the importance of paying special attention to this aspect, given the various development programs being carried out in DMF districts under Central and State Government schemes.
