The District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds meant to be used for the welfare of the mining-affected communities in Shella has been lying unused since 2018.
The issue was today raised by the Hynñiewtrep Youth Council (HYC), Shella area unit before East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Isawanda Laloo, who is also the chairman of the governing council of the foundation.
According to the HYC, the total contributions towards the DMF funds starting from January, 2018 till September, 2021 is Rs 39,34,84,229 out of which the total contributions made by the five mining licence holders from Shella is a whooping Rs 32,65,75,576.
“It is sad and disappointing that in spite of Shella village being a highly affected area on account of mining activities and that a majority of the contributions made towards the DMF funds is from the mining licence holders from the area, not a single penny was spent till date nor a single project or scheme has been implemented thereby denying the villagers their rights as per the mandated PMKKKY scheme,” HYC unit vice president Batyngshain Natep said.
Pointing out that the implementation of the scheme as mandated by the Government of India through the DMF funds will bring a lot of benefits to the residents and the village, he said the village still requires a lot of attention and assistance for provisions of portable drinking water supply, health care facilities, education, sanitation, environment protection, roads and other sectors like flood protection etc.
The HYC further demanded that the scheme should take off within 15 days for the welfare of the people before they seek justice from the court for its non-implementation as mandated by law.
