Syllabus:

GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Context: 

Recently, the Ministry of Mines launched a focused programme to align District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds with India’s Aspirational Districts initiatives, marking a major shift toward targeted welfare delivery in mining-affected regions.

More on the News 

• The released operational guidelines of the ‘Aspirational DMF Programme’ deals with the convergence of DMF initiatives associated 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. 

• Union Coal and Mines Minister stated that DMFs currently hold over Rs 32,000 crore in Aspirational Districts and thus, directed district collectors to ensure impactful and timely utilisation of these funds.

• The Centre’s push for convergence seeks to align DMF planning and implementation with central flagship schemes such as Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, in line with guidelines under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY). 

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

District Mineral Foundation (DMF)

• The 2015 amendment to the Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) (MMDR) Act enabled the creation of District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) in mining-affected districts as non-profit bodies, with state governments empowered to define their composition and functions under Section 9(B).

• Objective: The objective of the District Mineral Foundation is to benefit people and areas affected by mining, as per state guidelines. DMFs have been established in 645 districts across 23 states with notified rules.

• The composition and functions of the District Mineral Foundation shall be such as may be prescribed by the State Government.

Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY)

• The government in 2025 launched the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) aimed at the welfare of areas and people affected by mining-related operations, using the funds generated by District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) from the funds accruing to them in terms of the mining act.

• This directive, issued under the MMDR Act, 1957, ensures that DMF funds are used to address the social and infrastructure needs of these regions. Revised guidelines for PMKKKY were released in January 2024.

• Mandate: Implemented by DMFs using funds from the MMDR Act, 1957.

• Objective:

• Complement existing government schemes with development and welfare projects in mining areas.
• Mitigate negative environmental, health, and socio-economic impacts of mining.
• Promote sustainable livelihoods for affected communities.

• Fund Utilisation:

• At least 70% for high-priority areas including: drinking water, environmental protection, healthcare, education, welfare for women, children, aged, and the disabled, skill development, sanitation, housing, agriculture, and animal husbandry.
• Up to 30% for other priority areas such as: physical infrastructure, irrigation, energy, watershed development, and environmental quality enhancement. 

Aspirational District Programme (ADP)

• The Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP), launched in January 2018, aims to quickly and effectively transform 112 most underdeveloped districts across the country. 

• The broad contours of the programme are Convergence (of Central & State Schemes), Collaboration (of Central, State-level Nodal Officers & District Collectors), and Competition among districts through monthly delta ranking; all driven by a mass movement.

• Objective: 

• The Government is committed to raising the living standards of its citizens and ensuring inclusive growth for all – “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas aur Sabka Vishwas”.
• The ADP is essentially aimed at localising Sustainable Development Goals, leading to the progress of the nation.

• Key Indicators: 49 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) under 5 broad socio-economic themes:

• Health & Nutrition
• Education
• Agriculture & Water Resources
• Financial Inclusion
• Skill Development and Infrastructure

Aspirational Block Programme (ABP) 

• The Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) was launched in 2023 and focuses on improving governance 0f 500blocks to enhance the quality of life of citizens and service delivery in the remotest and least developed blocks of India.  

• This is done through converging existing schemes, defining outcomes, and monitoring them constantly to bridge gaps.

• Key Indicators: Socio-economic indicators categorized under 5 major themes:

• Health and Nutrition
• Education
• Agriculture and Allied Services
• Basic Infrastructure
• Social Development

Source: The Hindu

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2143473