PANAJI: The state government is yet to utilise the money collected from various mining firms under the District Mineral Fund (DMF), and deposited in the state treasury.
And, the reason for this is that the government has failed to constitute a committee. Sources at Directorate of Mines and Geology confirmed that funds to the tune of Rs 115 crore are lying unused with the government
The funds could not be utilised in the mining belt in the absence of the committee, the sources added.
As per the Supreme Court directives, the mining firms have to contribute 30 per cent of the royalty to this fund, which has to be utilised to create infrastructure and other facilities in the mining belt.
The sources said the government has initiated the process of forming the committee, which is likely to be headed by Secretary of Mines.
“The composition of the committee is being worked out, ”the sources said adding that the money, which is being collected, is not diverted for any other purpose.
Both the district Collectors are nodal officers for the implementation of schemes under District Mineral Fund.
A part of District Mineral Fund needs to be utilised for the development of infrastructure, in the mining belt, which is critical, said secretary of Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association Glenn Kalavampara, and added that presently there are so many issues, which need to be addressed immediately by the government.
The industry is also expecting a representation on the committee.
“It is also relevant to have industry representatives on the District Mineral Fund committee,” Kalavampara said.
