Bhubaneswar: The Ministry of Mines held a national-level workshop in New Delhi, where Odisha was appreciated for its exceptional utilisation of the District Mineral Fund (DMF) under the Pradhan Mantri Khanija Kshetra Yojana (PMKKWY). As of April 25, 2025, the total DMF collection in the country stood at Rs. 1,08,212.42 crore, with Odisha emerging as one of the top-performing states by collecting Rs. 31,324 crore.
Additional Secretary of the Planning and Coordination Department, Pradyumna Kumar Mahakud, represented the Odisha Government and received a commendation letter. Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan, appreciated the Odisha Government’s leadership in collecting and implementing District Mineral Funds.
The workshop saw the participation of several dignitaries, including Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Satish Chandra Dubey, and Union Secretary to Mines, L. Matjia Rao. District Collectors from various states, including Keonjhar, presented on maintaining transparency in DMF collection and utilisation. The Angul District Collector’s team discussed challenges faced in DMF fund collection and implementation, along with potential solutions.
A coffee table book was released during the event, and self-help groups from different states participated in an exhibition at the Handloom Haat in Janpath, New Delhi. The event highlighted the progress made by DMFs, which have been established in 646 districts across 23 states and have completed a decade of existence. The funds are being utilised for various development programs and schemes in mining-affected areas.
