📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Prime Minister's Office
Business
Chhattisgarh Gets Rs 9,188.20 Cr DMF Funds in 5 Years, ED Launches Probe into Usage
✍️ India CSR
🗓 07 Sep 2026, 01:18 AM
👁 10
The state of Chhattisgarh received a total of Rs 9,188.20 crore from the District Mineral Foundation over the past five years, and the Enforcement Directorate has opened an investigation into how the money was spent.
Chhattisgarh has accumulated Rs 9,188.20 crore in District Mineral Foundation (DMF) allocations between 2019 and 2024, according to data released by the state government. The DMF scheme, created under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, channels a portion of mining royalties to fund local development in mineral‑rich districts.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has now registered a case to examine the utilisation of these funds, citing concerns that a significant portion may not have been deployed for the intended welfare projects. Preliminary inquiries suggest possible irregularities in the disbursement process, prompting the central agency to seek detailed financial records from the state.
State officials have responded that all DMF receipts were recorded in accordance with statutory guidelines and that they are cooperating fully with the ED. They also emphasized that a large share of the money has been earmarked for infrastructure, education, and health initiatives in mining‑affected areas.
The probe adds to a growing scrutiny of DMF fund management across several Indian states, where civil society groups have previously raised questions about transparency and accountability. The outcome of the investigation could influence future policy reforms on how mineral royalties are allocated and monitored.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has now registered a case to examine the utilisation of these funds, citing concerns that a significant portion may not have been deployed for the intended welfare projects. Preliminary inquiries suggest possible irregularities in the disbursement process, prompting the central agency to seek detailed financial records from the state.
State officials have responded that all DMF receipts were recorded in accordance with statutory guidelines and that they are cooperating fully with the ED. They also emphasized that a large share of the money has been earmarked for infrastructure, education, and health initiatives in mining‑affected areas.
The probe adds to a growing scrutiny of DMF fund management across several Indian states, where civil society groups have previously raised questions about transparency and accountability. The outcome of the investigation could influence future policy reforms on how mineral royalties are allocated and monitored.