Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY)

Key Highlights:

• Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) was launched on September 17, 2015, to ensure welfare and development in mining-affected areas.
• The scheme is implemented through District Mineral Foundations (DMFs), which were established via the 2015 amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
• DMFs are funded by contributions from mining lease holders, set at 10% of royalty for new leases and 30% for leases granted before January 12, 2015.
• At least 70% of the funds are directed towards high-priority sectors like drinking water, healthcare, education, and skill development.
• Over 4.70 lakh projects, valued at more than ₹1 lakh crore, have been sanctioned under PMKKKY to date, with over 2.92 lakh projects completed.

Detailed Insights:

• PMKKKY aims to minimize the adverse environmental, health, and socio-economic impacts of mining and ensure sustainable livelihoods for affected populations.
• DMFs are non-profit trusts operating under the jurisdiction of State Governments, currently established in 656 districts across 23 States.
• Revised guidelines for PMKKKY were issued in January 2024 to provide an updated framework for project planning and execution.
• Special safeguards are incorporated for Scheduled and Tribal Areas, adhering to constitutional provisions and acts like PESA and FRA.
• The scheme ensures that a fair share of the wealth generated from mineral extraction is channeled back to the communities bearing its costs.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY): A scheme launched in 2015 to implement welfare and development projects in mining-affected areas.
• District Mineral Foundation (DMF): A non-profit trust established in mining districts to work for the interest of persons and areas affected by mining operations.
• Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957: The primary legislation governing mining activities in India, amended in 2015 to establish DMFs.
• Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA): An act extending provisions of Part IX of the Constitution relating to Panchayats to Scheduled Areas, empowering tribal communities.
• Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA): An act recognizing and vesting forest rights and occupation in forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.