Union Government launches PMKKKY for mining affected people

Union Government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) for the welfare of people affected by mining related operations.
The new scheme is meant to provide for the welfare of people and areas affected by mining related operations by using the funds collected by District Mineral Foundations (DMFs).

About Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY)

• Aim: Mitigate the adverse impacts due to mining operation on the health and environment. It also seeks to ensure long-term sustainable livelihoods for the affected people in mining areas.
• Objective: To implement various welfare and developmental projects in mining affected areas by complementing the existing ongoing schemes of State and Central Government;
• To mitigate and minimize the adverse impacts during and after mining on the health, environment and socio-economics of people in mining districts.
• To ensure long-term sustainable livelihoods to people in areas affected by mining.
• DMF spending: 60 per cent of the DMFs will be spent on high priority areas including health care, education, drinking water supply, sanitation and skill development of the affected people.
• Rest of the funds will be spent on infrastructure developmental projects such as making roads, railways, bridges, waterways projects, irrigation and alternative energy sources.

About District Mineral Foundations (DMFs)

• The Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 has mandated in setting up of District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) in all districts in the country affected by mining related operations.
• Union government also has notified the rates of contribution payable by miners to the DMFs along with launching PMKKKY.
• In case of mining leases granted before 12th January 2015 (on this date Amendment Act came into force) miners have to contribute 30 per cent of the royalty payable by them to DMFs.
• While, in case of mining leases executed after 12th January 2015, miners have to contribute 10 per cent of the royalty.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2015