9th DMF Trust Board Meeting Charts Roadmap for Inclusive Growth in Rayagada

By Chandrabhanu Singh| Rayagada | October 16, 2025:

The 9th District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Trust Board meeting of Rayagada district was held at the Zilla Parishad Conference Hall on Wednesday under the chairmanship of District Collector and DMF Chairperson Ashutosh Kulkarni, IAS, to review progress of ongoing projects and finalize future strategies under the Odisha DMF (Amendment) Rules, 2024.

The meeting was attended by Koraput MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, Rayagada MLA Appala Swami Kadraka, Chief Development Officer-cum-CEO, Zilla Parishad and DMF Rayagada Akshay Kumar Khemundu, and other senior officials including the DFO, CDMO, Executive Engineers, and members of the DMF Trust.

A major focus of the session was a detailed discussion on the new DMF rules that classify mining-affected villages within 5 km, 15 km, and 25 km radii of operational mining areas. The updated list of directly and indirectly affected villages was placed for review.

The board emphasized conducting a “Gap Analysis”—an assessment to identify shortcomings in public infrastructure and welfare schemes, particularly in drinking water, healthcare, education, women and child welfare, livelihood, and skill development. The findings will help the administration channel DMF funds toward critical needs in mining-affected zones.

Chairing the meeting, Collector Ashutosh Kulkarni directed all departmental heads to complete the analysis within the set timeline to ensure quick execution of welfare projects.

MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka stressed the need for strategic and transparent utilization of DMF resources to ensure visible benefits for mining-affected communities.

MLA Appala Swami Kadraka urged for judicious investment in sectors such as transport, health, education, and agriculture to strengthen rural infrastructure.

Concluding the session, the Collector instructed that all member suggestions be consolidated for inclusion in the upcoming one-year and five-year development plans.

CEO Akshay Kumar Khemundu extended a vote of thanks, reaffirming the DMF’s commitment to transparent governance and inclusive development.

DMF Rayagada Snapshot (2025):

Total Fund – Rs 842.76 crore | Utilized – Rs 623.54 crore | Ongoing Projects – 184 | Key Focus Sectors – Drinking Water (25%), Health (22%), Education (18%), Livelihood (15%), Infrastructure (20%)

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