₹3,742 cr spent, no development: Babulal Marandi on Chaibasa DMFT funds
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Chaibasa, July 15: Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi on Tuesday alleged that despite the expenditure of ₹3,742.15…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Chaibasa, July 15: Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi on Tuesday alleged that despite the expenditure of ₹3,742.15 crore under the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) in West Singhbhum over the last 10 years, mining-affected villages continue to remain deprived of basic infrastructure and essential services.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP district office after a three-day tour of mining-affected areas, the former Jharkhand chief minister claimed that 75.68 per cent of the DMFT funds had already been spent, but there was little evidence of development on the ground. He demanded that the Hemant Soren government issue a White Paper detailing the utilisation of the funds.
Marandi questions utilisation of DMFT funds
Marandi alleged that residents of mining-affected villages continue to face shortages of drinking water, roads, healthcare and schools despite the substantial expenditure. He termed the alleged misuse of the fund an “economic offence” and accused the state government of failing to ensure that the money reached its intended beneficiaries.
The BJP leader also questioned the lack of transparency in the utilisation of the DMFT fund, claiming that expenditure details should have been uploaded to the designated portal for public scrutiny. He urged journalists to seek explanations from the district administration regarding where the funds had been spent and why the details were not available online.
Opposition targets mining policy
Referring to mining policy, Marandi alleged that the Jharkhand government had failed to auction mineral blocks, resulting in prolonged closure of mines and loss of employment opportunities. He claimed that while 434 mines have been auctioned across the country, only three mines in Jharkhand have been auctioned, all by the Central government.
Drawing a comparison with Odisha, Marandi said the neighbouring state had generated significantly higher revenue through mineral auctions despite possessing a smaller share of the country’s mineral reserves. He argued that better management of mineral resources could have boosted employment and accelerated development in Jharkhand’s mining districts.
Claims mining villages still lack basic amenities
Sharing observations from his three-day visit, Marandi claimed that many villages in West Singhbhum still lack access to safe drinking water, proper roads, healthcare facilities and adequately staffed schools. In several places, he alleged, patients continue to be carried on cots because of poor road connectivity.
Questions government’s investment outreach
Marandi also questioned the state government’s overseas investment tours, alleging that despite signing several memoranda of understanding (MoUs), there had been little visible impact on employment or infrastructure development in the state.
Former Chief Minister Madhu Koda, former MP Geeta Koda, former minister Badkunwar Gagrai and several BJP leaders, including J B Tubid, were present at the press conference.
