the goan I network
PANAJI
Goa Foundation raised concerns regarding non-utilisation of funds in District Mineral Foundation (DMF) on Thursday, one day before a crucial meeting of mines ministers from several states takes place in Goa.
Speaking at a press conference, Claude Alvares said, “There is already Rs 140 crore in DMF, which the State government is not utilising. Till today, not a single proposal has come to the chairperson of DMF because committee itself was appointed only last week. People from places like Sonshi are coming to our office and asking whether we can help them save their paddy fields and water bodies. When Rs 140 crore is in DMF, why can’t it be spent for such purposes?”
A high profile meeting chaired by Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Mines will take place in Goa from January 19. Goa Foundation is likely to bring their concerns about mining in the State to the notice of Tomar and other officials.
Alvares further said, “We have told Tomar that the guidelines of Goa government for DMF are contradicting the guidelines issued by PMO. The scheme’s objective (for DMF funds) is to implement various welfare projects in mining affected areas complimenting and not substituting the ongoing projects of State and central government.”
He continued, “This means that the money (in DMF) can’t be used for setting up schools or providing water because these objectives are already covered by government’s existing schemes. Rather, this money can be used in case the health centre in a village requires certain equipment.”
