New Delhi: In a landmark step toward inclusive and sustainable development, the Union Ministry of Mines unveiled the operational guidelines for the Aspirational DMF Programme on July 9, 2025, during the National DMF Workshop held in New Delhi. Spearheaded by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G Kishan Reddy, the initiative aims to align the efforts of District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) with the Aspirational District Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Block Programmes (ABP), fostering transformative socio-economic progress in India’s mining-affected regions. This strategic convergence is designed to amplify the impact of DMF initiatives, ensuring that the benefits of mineral wealth reach the grassroots level, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).
Aspirational DMF Programme: A Vision for Inclusive Growth
The Aspirational DMF Programme is a pioneering initiative that integrates DMF planning and implementation with the developmental priorities of the ADP and ABP, led by NITI Aayog. These programs focus on rapidly transforming India’s most underdeveloped districts and blocks by improving key socio-economic indicators. The new guidelines, rooted in the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY), aim to create a multiplier effect by aligning DMF projects with priority sectors such as:
- Health and Nutrition: Enhancing healthcare access and nutritional outcomes for mining-affected communities.
- Education: Improving access to quality education and literacy programs.
- Agriculture and Water Resources: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and water conservation.
- Agriculture and Allied Activities: Supporting livelihoods through animal husbandry and related activities.
- Basic Infrastructure: Developing roads, electricity, and other essential infrastructure.
- Social Development: Empowering women, children, and marginalized groups.
- Financial Development and Skill Development: Fostering economic independence through skill training and financial inclusion.
Currently, the program aligns 106 Aspirational Districts and 473 Aspirational Blocks with DMFs, with plans for further expansion to ensure broader coverage. The initiative emphasizes 100% saturation of available DMF funds, community-driven development, and robust accountability mechanisms to maximize impact.
District Mineral Foundation (DMF): A Pillar of Grassroots Development
Established under Section 9(B) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (amended in 2015), DMFs are non-profit trusts designed to work for the welfare of communities and areas affected by mining operations. Funded through contributions from holders of major and minor mineral concessions, DMFs operate under the jurisdiction of state governments, which prescribe rules for their governance and functioning. The PMKKKY serves as the framework for DMF fund utilization, mandating that at least 70% of funds be allocated to high-priority areas, including:
- Drinking water supply
- Housing and sanitation
- Environment preservation and pollution control
- Healthcare and education
- Welfare of women, children, the aged, and disabled individuals
- Skill development, agriculture, and animal husbandry
Up to 30% of funds can be used for physical infrastructure, irrigation, energy, watershed development, and measures to enhance environmental quality in mining districts. This targeted, localized approach ensures that DMF funds address the specific needs of mining-affected communities, fostering sustainable development and equitable growth.
National DMF Workshop: A Platform for Collaboration and Innovation
The National DMF Workshop in New Delhi, inaugurated by Union Minister Shri G Kishan Reddy and Minister of State for Coal and Mines Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, brought together key stakeholders, including senior officials from the Ministry of Mines, other ministries, state DMF nodal officers, and representatives from 152 DMFs, including 62 district collectors. The event served as a platform to discuss strategies for strengthening DMF operations, ensuring transparency, and addressing implementation challenges.
In his inaugural address, Shri G Kishan Reddy highlighted the transformative role of DMFs over the past decade, emphasizing their contributions to health, education, nutrition, and infrastructure in mining-affected areas. He described DMFs as a shining example of cooperative federalism and a whole-of-government approach, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision for inclusive development. Shri Reddy urged district collectors, nodal officers, and state governments to treat DMF as a mission to drive large-scale, community-centered change, ensuring full utilization of available funds.
Shri Satish Chandra Dubey echoed these sentiments, describing DMFs as a powerful tool to deliver the benefits of mineral wealth to the last mile. He emphasized the role of DMFs in catalyzing change across sectors like healthcare, education, livelihoods, and skilling, reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to building an inclusive and self-reliant India.
The workshop featured impactful sessions and presentations, including keynote addresses by senior dignitaries who underscored the importance of transparency, innovation, and convergence in DMF initiatives. District Magistrates/Collectors, who serve as heads of DMFs, presented insights in four thematic groups, focusing on:
- DMF Transparency: Ensuring accountability in fund utilization.
- Innovative Practices: Showcasing successful and replicable DMF projects.
- Implementation Challenges: Addressing bottlenecks in project execution.
- Capacity Building: Strengthening the skills and resources of DMF officials.
Representatives from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) shared perspectives on audit practices, emphasizing the need for robust oversight to maintain accountability. The discussions culminated in an action plan for districts and states to implement the PMKKKY Guidelines 2024 effectively, ensuring focused and impactful development.
Coffee Table Book 2.0 and State Recognitions
A key highlight of the workshop was the launch of Coffee Table Book 2.0, which showcases transformative DMF-funded projects across India. The book highlights the tangible benefits of these initiatives, from improved healthcare facilities to enhanced educational opportunities, demonstrating the real-world impact of DMFs on mining-affected communities.
The Ministry also recognized states for their exemplary efforts in DMF implementation. States such as Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Goa were felicitated for integrating the revised PMKKKY 2024 guidelines into their DMF rules. Additionally, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh were honored for their timely closure of annual audit reports, reflecting their commitment to transparency and accountability.
DMF Exhibition at Handloom Haat: Showcasing Community Empowerment
On the same day, Shri G Kishan Reddy, accompanied by Shri Satish Chandra Dubey and Secretary, Ministry of Mines Shri V L Kantha Rao, inaugurated the DMF Exhibition at Handloom Haat, Janpath. The exhibition, which runs until July 15, 2025, showcases products and enterprises supported by DMF funds, highlighting the role of DMFs in empowering Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in mining-affected areas. The ministers interacted with SHG members, appreciating their efforts in creating sustainable livelihoods and promoting local entrepreneurship. The exhibition provides a platform for these communities to reach a wider audience, fostering economic inclusion and showcasing the transformative potential of DMF initiatives.
Significance for Inclusive Growth and Governance
The Aspirational DMF Programme represents a significant step toward inclusive growth and effective governance. By aligning DMF efforts with national development priorities, the initiative ensures that mining-affected communities benefit from sustainable and impactful development. It embodies the principles of cooperative federalism and a whole-of-government approach, bringing together central and state governments, district administrations, and local communities to drive progress.
The program supports the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat by addressing socio-economic challenges in mineral-rich but underdeveloped regions. Through strategic fund utilization, community-driven projects, and robust accountability mechanisms, the Aspirational DMF Programme aims to create lasting change in India’s mining districts.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While the Aspirational DMF Programme holds immense potential, it faces challenges that must be addressed to ensure its success. Key among these are:
- Proper Fund Utilization: Ensuring that DMF funds are used effectively and transparently to address priority areas.
- Implementation Delays: Overcoming bottlenecks at the district level to ensure timely project execution.
- Audit and Accountability: Strengthening mechanisms to maintain transparency and trust in DMF operations.
- Community Participation: Sustaining long-term engagement with local communities to ensure projects meet their needs.
- Long-Term Planning: Developing sustainable strategies to maximize the impact of DMF initiatives over time.
The Ministry of Mines is committed to addressing these challenges through capacity building, innovative practices, and robust oversight. The action plan outlined during the National DMF Workshop provides a roadmap for districts and states to implement the PMKKKY Guidelines 2024, ensuring that DMF initiatives deliver measurable and lasting benefits.
Conclusion
The launch of the Aspirational DMF Programme marks a new chapter in India’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable development. By aligning DMF efforts with the Aspirational District Programme and Aspirational Block Programmes, the Union Ministry of Mines is ensuring that the benefits of mineral wealth reach the most underserved communities. The National DMF Workshop and DMF Exhibition underscore the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and community-driven development. As the program moves forward, it promises to transform mining-affected regions, fostering a more equitable and prosperous India in line with the vision of a Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Aspirational DMF Programme?
The Aspirational DMF Programme is an initiative launched by the Union Ministry of Mines on July 9, 2025, to align District Mineral Foundation (DMF) initiatives with the Aspirational District Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Block Programmes (ABP). It aims to enhance socio-economic development in mining-affected areas by converging DMF projects with key ADP/ABP sectors like health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and skill development, ensuring a multiplier effect for community welfare.
2. How does the Aspirational DMF Programme align with PMKKKY?
The programme is based on the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY), which provides guidelines for DMF fund utilization. At least 70% of DMF funds are allocated to high-priority areas like drinking water, healthcare, education, and women’s welfare, while up to 30% support infrastructure and environmental initiatives, ensuring alignment with PMKKKY’s objective of sustainable development in mining-affected regions.
3. Which areas are covered under the Aspirational DMF Programme?
The programme currently aligns 106 Aspirational Districts and 473 Aspirational Blocks with DMFs across India, with plans for expansion. These areas are identified as underdeveloped regions by NITI Aayog’s ADP and ABP, focusing on improving socio-economic indicators in mining-affected communities.
4. What are the key challenges faced by the Aspirational DMF Programme?
Key challenges include ensuring transparent and effective fund utilization, overcoming implementation delays at the district level, strengthening audit and accountability mechanisms, sustaining community participation, and developing long-term planning strategies to maximize the impact of DMF initiatives.
5. How does the programme promote cooperative federalism?
The Aspirational DMF Programme embodies cooperative federalism by involving central and state governments, district administrations, and local communities. DMFs operate under state government jurisdiction, while the Ministry of Mines provides strategic guidelines, fostering a whole-of-government approach to deliver inclusive, community-driven development in line with the vision of a Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
