The state government has released Rs 24.70 crore of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) fund to six districts for the year 2019 and 2020.
Replying in the Assembly on Thursday, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said Rs 14.17 crore was released for 2019-2020 and Rs 10.53 crore for 2020-2021.
According to him, the government of India has issued guidelines of Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) for utilization of DMF funds.
Sangma also informed that Rs 5.45 crore was spent on COVID-19 related expenditures since the government of India has permitted states to use 30 percent of the DMR funds while replying to a query raised by Mawlai MLA, Process T Sawkmie.
On the concern expressed by the members on delay to make MLAs part of the DMF governing council, the chief minister said that the government of India has communicated to the state that MLAs and MPs be made part of the governing council.
He informed the same has been forwarded to the respective deputy commissioners of which only Ri Bhoi DC has so far taken the initiative to make MLAs as notified members of the governing council.
“Again information has gone to all the deputy commissioners of other districts for taking necessary action (on this regard),” the CM said.
When Mawsynram MLA, Himalaya Shangpliang requested the government to come up with a notification for streamlining the implementation of the various projects under the DMF, the chief minister assured that the matter will be examined.
Sangma said that he does not have the information as to the collection of funds made till May 31, this year.
Shangpliang however informed that as per data available with him, a substantial amount of Rs 52.28 crore have been collected till this period and of which Rs 51.28 crore has been transferred to the DMF adding of this 27.35 crore has collected from East Khasi Hills district.
When members including Shella legislator, Balajied Synrem wanted to know if funds were allocated to districts which contributed most of the royalty, the chief minister said that it all depends on mining leases granted in the different districts. According to him, 30 percent of the royalty paid for the mining leases goes to the DMF funds.
NNN