Ranchi, March 16 Congress legislator Pradip Yadav urged the Jharkhand government in the Assembly on Monday to expand the area for utilization of District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) funds to ensure inclusive growth outside the demarcated area.
In response, the state government said it would write to the Centre in this regard.
During the Question Hour, Yadav pointed out that DMFT funds are currently restricted to a directly affected area within a 15-km radius of the mine area and an indirectly affected area up to a 25-km radius. This creates an imbalance, leaving areas beyond these limits underserved, he said.
Yadav said, "There are many areas in the state where mines are located in forest regions with no habitation within a 15-km radius. In such cases, how can the funds be utilized effectively?"
Responding to this, state minister Yogendra Prasad explained that the DMFT rules were framed under the guidelines issued by the Government of India in 2024.
"The state government had raised objections on certain points, but they were not accepted by the Centre," he said.
"We acknowledge that areas outside the restricted zone will also face impacts. The government will consider formulating a plan for the development of such areas."
Participating in the debate, JMM MLA Mathura Prasad Mahto and RJD legislator Suresh Paswan also demanded initiatives to remove or relax the area limitations.
Prasad assured the House that the government would write to the Centre in this regard.
However, Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi defended the defined area limits for DMFT fund utilisation, stating they were appropriate.
"The real issue is not the area restriction but the under-utilisation of funds even within the limited zone," he alleged.
"There are crises related to water supply, roads, and other infrastructure, yet funds are often misused."
He urged the Speaker to constitute an assembly team to examine such areas and investigate utilization.
Replying to Marandi, Prasad said that any irregularities in the utilization of funds would be probed.
JD(U) MLA Saryu Roy raised questions regarding the policy for artificial intelligence.
Responding to this, minister Dipak Birua said the government is working in this regard.