Union Minister G Kishan Reddy Launches ₹32,000 Crore ‘Aspirational DMF Programme’ for Mining-Affected Districts.
National
On July 9, 2025, Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy unveiled the Aspirational DMF Programme at the National DMF Workshop in New Delhi. The initiative aims to strategically channel District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds toward India’s aspirational districts and blocks, aligning with central flagship schemes to enhance regional development.
- The Minister highlighted that over ₹32,000 crore is currently available in DMF accounts designated for aspirational districts. The scheme is designed to ensure 100% saturation across all health, nutrition, education, agriculture, and rural infrastructure projects in designated regions, with district collectors tasked to prepare action plans and implement them in a time-bound manner.
- G Kishan Reddy emphasized that since its inception in 2015, DMF funds have accumulated more than ₹1 lakh crore, with nearly ₹90,000 crore already deployed for various development projects. He stressed the importance of transparency, project tracking, and ensuring that funds directly benefit mining-affected communities.
Main Point :- (i) The programme encourages convergence between DMF-funded projects and major central schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, under the umbrella of the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY). This integrated approach aligns district-level mineral welfare with India’s broader socio-economic goals.
(ii) Addressing implementation gaps, Reddy urged state governments to avoid transferring DMF resources out of mining-affected districts and to complete pending projects, particularly the mine-closure work at 143 decommissioned coal mines. He emphasized district collectors' responsibility for execution and accountability.
(iii) The workshop, held at the Scope Convention Centre, saw participation from 62 district collectors, State DMF nodal officers, and senior officials from ministries. A companion exhibition showcased Self‑Help Group products supported by DMF, aiming to promote livelihood opportunities in affected areas.
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