Jharkhand Assembly Debates Expansion and Utilisation of DMFT Fund Areas

In the Jharkhand Assembly, Congress MLA Pradip Yadav urged expanding the area for District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) fund utilisation beyond the current 15-km radius around mines, citing challenges in forest regions with sparse habitation. State minister Yogendra Prasad noted that DMFT rules follow 2024 central guidelines and said the government would write to the Centre to consider development plans for areas outside the restricted zones. Opposition Leader Babulal Marandi defended the limits but highlighted under-utilisation and misuse of funds within the designated areas, calling for an investigation.