Parliament Question: Community participation in DMF implementation

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.292 ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026 COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN DMF IMPLEMENTATION 292. SHRI K.R. SURESH REDDY: Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has issued any directions or advisories to ensure active involvement of Gram Sabhas and local communities in planning, implementation and monitoring of projects funded under District Mineral Foundation (DMF), as recommended by the Parliamentary standing Committee; (b) measures being taken to institutionalize community participation in DMF decision-making, as envisaged under the DMF Rules and PMKKKY guidelines, including representation of affected persons in DMF Governing Councils and Committees; and (c) whether Government has conducted an independent impact assessment to evaluate the efficacy and impact of DMF-funded projects, as recommended by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Coal and Steel, if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY) (a) to (c): Under the proviso to sub-section (3) of section 9B of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, the Central Government issued Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) guidelines dated 15.01.2024 to strengthen participatory planning, implementation and monitoring of works under the District Mineral Foundations (DMFs). These guidelines underscore the pivotal role of Gram Sabhas in DMF, and inter-alia mandate that affected families are identified, as far as possible, in consultation with local/ elected representatives of Gram Sabha/ Urban Local Body (ULB) in directly or indirectly affected areas. Gram Sabhas/ Local Bodies may also aid in the preparation of need-assessment reports. Further, the Ministry has issued an advisory dated 28.11.2025 on strengthening coordination, planning and implementation mechanisms under DMF, including adoption of a consultative approach by DMF districts in perspective plan preparation, and ensuring representation and inputs from Hon’ble Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assembly/ Members of Legislative Council, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Gram Sabhas and community stakeholders.As per the PMKKKY guidelines, in respect of villages affected by mining situated within the Scheduled Areas, approval of the Gram Sabha is required for all plans, programs and projects taken up under PMKKKY and for identification of beneficiaries under the existing guidelines of the Government. The PMKKKY guidelines provide for audit of DMF accounts by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG). Further, the guidelines mandate the districts to conduct a baseline survey through academic institutions/ renowned organizations/ agencies. Based on the findings and gaps as identified through the baseline survey, the DMF prepares a strategy for the Perspective Plan. *****