The Ministry of Mines (MoM) has sought information from the state governments regarding the status of implementation of the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) scheme or Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (MPKKKY).
The DMF, set up by the states as per PMKKKY, are funds to be used for the benefit of people affected by mining and also for rebuilding infrastructure in mining areas.
The states have also been asked to furnish information regarding the number of closed/abandoned mines and the status of rehabilitation/restoration of ecology and environment, according to an official communique.
Based on the information received, “an action plan may be prepared by the states for rehabilitation of these mines in the shortest possible time frame,” the communique said.
The ministry is slated to hold a meeting along with the states and the Indian Bureau of Mines on August 5 to expedite the implementation process.