Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G Kishan Reddy today released operational guidelines of ‘Aspirational DMF Programme’ for the convergence of DMF initiatives with the Aspirational District Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Block Programmes (ABP). These guidelines are designed to strategically align District Mineral Foundation (DMF) planning and implementation with the development priorities identified under ADP and ABP, which focus on improving socio-economic indicators in India’s most underserved regions. This was launched at the ‘National DMF Workshop’ held at New Delhi today.

The event was inaugurated by Union Minister of Coal & Mines, Shri G Kishan Reddy, and Union Minister of State for Coal & Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, with participation from senior officials of the Ministry of Mines, other concerned Ministries, representatives from DMF districts, State DMF Nodal Officers, and officials from line Ministries. A total of 152 DMFs were represented in the event. 62 District collectors attended the workshop.

In his inaugural address, Union Minister of Coal & Mines, Shri G Kishan Reddy said that DMFs have played a pivotal role in transforming lives in mining-affected regions by funding health, education, nutrition, and infrastructure, over the past decade. He said that DMFs are true examples of co-operative federalism and whole of government approach, as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Minister also urged District Collectors, District Nodal Officers & state governments to treat DMF as a mission to drive large-scale change in mining areas, with a focus on constructive, community-centered activities and 100% saturation of available funds. Underscoring the role of minerals in driving national progress, the Minister said that the Ministry of Mines is fully aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat where development reaches every corner of the nation.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister of State for Coal & Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey said that District Mineral Foundation is not just a fund, but a powerful tool to ensure that the benefits of mineral wealth reach the last mile. He pointed out that from healthcare to education, livelihood to skilling, DMF is catalyzing change in India's mining districts. Shri Dubey said that the Ministry of Mines is committed to using DMF as a key pillar in building a Viksit Bharat—an inclusive, empowered, and self-reliant India.

The workshop featured a series of impactful sessions and presentations that underscored the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening DMF operations. Senior dignitaries delivered keynote addresses, emphasizing the critical importance of transparency, innovation, and convergence in the implementation of DMF initiatives. The workshop was marked by presentations by four thematic groups of District Magistrates/ Collectors (who are the heads of DMFs). They presented on key areas including DMF transparency, innovative practices, implementation challenges, and capacity building, offering valuable insights and recommendations. Additionally, representatives from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) shared perspectives on audit practices and accountability mechanisms, reinforcing the need for robust oversight.

Another highlight of the event was the launch of Coffee Table Book 2.0, which showcased transformative projects funded by DMFs across India, reflecting the tangible benefits of these efforts in mining-affected communities.

States including Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Goa were felicitated for adopting the revised PMKKKY 2024 guidelines into the DMF Rules. Furthermore, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh were felicitated for the good performance in timely closure of annual audit reports, working towards greater transparency and accountability.

The workshop concluded with an action plan for all districts and states to ensure focused implementation of PMKKKY Guidelines 2024 in their DMFs.

Earlier, Minister Shri G Kishan Reddy inaugurated DMF Exhibition at Handloom Haat (Janpath). Shri Reddy, accompanied by MoS Shri Satish Chandra Dubey and Secretary, Ministry of Mines Shri V L Kantha Rao visited stalls at the exhibition and interacted with members of Self-Help Groups. The exhibition showcases products and enterprises supported by DMF funds. The exhibition will continue until 15th July 2025, offering a platform for SHGs from mining-affected areas to display their work and engage with a wider audience.

This workshop and exhibition reaffirm the Ministry’s vision to align DMF efforts with national development priorities, ensuring that mining-affected communities benefit from inclusive, sustainable, and impactful development.

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Shuhaib T

(Release ID: 2143473)