REASI: District Development Commissioner Reasi today chaired the maiden meeting of the Governing Council of the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT), Reasi, marking an important step towards strengthening the institutional framework for the welfare and sustainable development of mining-affected areas of the district.
Member Parliament, Jugal Kishore attended the meeting through virtual mode
Member Legislative Assembly, SMVD, Baldev Raj Sharma, Chief Planning Officer (CPO) Narinder Kumar and District Mineral Officer (DMO) were physically present, Member Legislative Assembly Gulabgarh Er. Khurshied Ahmed and other concerned officials participated virtually.
The meeting focused on establishing the operational framework of DMFT, reviewing its core responsibilities and deliberating on strategic planning for effective utilization of DMFT funds in accordance with the updated Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) guidelines.
The Governing Council was apprised of the funding pattern and fund allocation strategy, with emphasis on the high priority sectors, which include drinking water supply, healthcare, education, environmental preservation, women and child welfare, welfare of senior citizens and persons with disabilities, skill development and sanitation.
Discussions were also held on the Other Priority Sectors, including physical infrastructure, irrigation, renewable energy and watershed development. The Council initiated deliberations for preparation of the Annual Plan for 2026-27, besides formulating a comprehensive five-year perspective plan for sustained and impactful interventions in mining-affected areas.
MP Jugal Kishore emphasized focused developmental interventions in High Priority Sectors and stressed the need for a robust five-year perspective plan. He also called for an effective mechanism and on-ground verification of proposed works before their execution to ensure optimal utilization of DMFT funds.
MLA Gulabgarh Er. Khurshied Ahmed highlighted the specific challenges faced by hilly and mining-affected areas and stressed the need for targeted protection works and development initiatives suited to the local terrain and requirements.
MLA SMVD Baldev Raj Sharma also emphasized the need for prioritizing development works in mining-affected areas, with special focus on improving basic amenities and essential infrastructure for local communities. He stressed that DMFT funds should be utilized in a transparent and need-based manner, keeping in view the specific requirements of affected areas and ensuring tangible benefits to the people.
The DDC reiterated the administration’s commitment towards transparency, inclusivity and outcome-oriented utilization of DMFT funds. He directed the DMO Reasi to compile a detailed list of mining-affected areas, particularly those falling within a 15-km radius of mining sites and share the same with the MP and MLAs.
He further asked the elected representatives to provide their suggestions and identify priority works in their respective areas so that DMFT resources can be channelized towards addressing critical community needs and promoting sustainable development.
