Ministry of Mines Launches ‘Aspirational DMF Programme’ to Drive Inclusive Growth in Mining Regions
In a significant step towards inclusive and grassroots development, the Ministry of Mines has launched the ‘Aspirational DMF Programme’, aligning the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) initiatives with India’s Aspirational District and Aspirational Block Programmes (ADP and ABP). This bold initiative, inaugurated by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G Kishan Reddy on 9th July 2025 in New Delhi, marks a major milesCourtesytone in the transformation of mining-affected areas into hubs of holistic progress.
The launch took place during the ‘National DMF Workshop’, where operational guidelines for the Aspirational DMF Programme were officially released. These guidelines aim to strategically align DMF activities with the development priorities outlined under ADP and ABP, focusing particularly on improving socio-economic indicators such as health, education, nutrition, and livelihood in India’s most underserved mining regions.
Ministerial Vision for Transformation
During his inaugural address, Shri G Kishan Reddy emphasized the vital role that DMFs have played over the past decade in transforming lives through investments in essential services and infrastructure. He called DMFs a true reflection of cooperative federalism and the ‘whole of government’ approach, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
He urged state governments, district collectors, and DMF nodal officers to treat DMF not just as a fund, but as a mission—a driver of comprehensive development. The focus, he stressed, should be on community-centered initiatives, full utilization of available resources, and achieving 100% saturation in targeted services.
Empowering the Last Mile
Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, echoed these sentiments, stating that DMF is more than financial aid—it’s a powerful developmental tool. From healthcare to education, skill development to infrastructure, DMF is enabling inclusive and sustainable development in the remotest parts of mining districts.
Shri Dubey reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to leveraging DMF as a pillar of progress, ensuring that the wealth generated from mineral resources reaches the last mile and benefits those directly affected by mining operations.
Highlights of the National DMF Workshop
The workshop was attended by over 152 DMFs, 62 District Collectors, and officials from various line Ministries and state nodal agencies. It featured keynote sessions, interactive presentations, and panel discussions focusing on:
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DMF transparency and accountability
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Innovative best practices
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Implementation challenges
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Capacity building of district teams
Four thematic groups of District Magistrates shared successful case studies and challenges faced on the ground, offering strategic insights and recommendations. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) also presented its views on strengthening audit practices and ensuring financial transparency.
Coffee Table Book 2.0 and State Felicitations
One of the event’s key attractions was the launch of Coffee Table Book 2.0, showcasing transformative DMF-funded projects across India. The book reflects how DMF initiatives have tangibly improved lives, empowered communities, and revitalized infrastructure in mining-affected districts.
States such as Jharkhand, Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Goa were felicitated for integrating the updated PMKKKY Guidelines 2024 into their DMF frameworks. Additionally, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat received special recognition for timely audit report closures, showcasing a commitment to transparency and governance.
Highlights of the National DMF Workshop
The workshop was attended by over 152 DMFs, 62 District Collectors, and officials from various line Ministries and state nodal agencies. It featured keynote sessions, interactive presentations, and panel discussions focusing on:
DMF transparency and accountability
Innovative best practices
Implementation challenges
Capacity building of district teams
Four thematic groups of District Magistrates shared successful case studies and challenges faced on the ground, offering strategic insights and recommendations. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) also presented its views on strengthening audit practices and ensuring financial transparency.
Coffee Table Book 2.0 and State Felicitations
One of the event’s key attractions was the launch of Coffee Table Book 2.0, showcasing transformative DMF-funded projects across India. The book reflects how DMF initiatives have tangibly improved lives, empowered communities, and revitalized infrastructure in mining-affected districts.
States such as Jharkhand, Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Goa were felicitated for integrating the updated PMKKKY Guidelines 2024 into their DMF frameworks. Additionally, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat received special recognition for timely audit report closures, showcasing a commitment to transparency and governance.
DMF Exhibition at Handloom Haat
Complementing the workshop, Minister Reddy also inaugurated a DMF Exhibition at Handloom Haat (Janpath), accompanied by Shri Dubey and Shri V L Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines. The exhibition, which runs until 15th July 2025, displays products crafted by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) supported by DMF funds.
These SHGs, primarily from mining-affected communities, are showcasing their handmade products, services, and success stories, reflecting the ground-level impact of DMF-backed empowerment initiatives.
A Vision for Inclusive and Sustainable Development
The Aspirational DMF Programme represents a significant evolution in India’s development policy, bringing strategic convergence, community focus, and transparent execution to the forefront of mining area development. By embedding the DMF mechanism into broader national goals like PMKKKY 2024 and Viksit Bharat, the Ministry of Mines is charting a course for inclusive, self-reliant, and sustainable growth.
This initiative not only reaffirms the government’s commitment to those at the margins but also ensures that the benefits of mineral wealth are shared equitably—building a stronger, more empowered India from the grassroots up.