Mines Ministry to Set Up Program Mgmt Unit for PMKKKY Implementation

17 Apr 2025 CW Team

The Ministry of Mines is set to establish a Program Management Unit (PMU) to streamline the development of areas impacted by mining activities and ensure efficient coordination with state governments for the successful implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY).

Launched in 2025, PMKKKY aims to support the welfare of regions and communities affected by mining, utilising funds from District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) under the Mining Act. The central government has instructed state governments to integrate PMKKKY into their DMF regulations for effective implementation.

To enhance the program’s efficiency, the Ministry of Mines plans to hire a consulting firm to establish the PMU. This unit will oversee the development of mining-affected areas and facilitate smooth coordination with state governments and DMF districts, ensuring the program's goals are met.

The ministry also updated the PMKKKY guidelines in 2024 to broaden the scheme's impact, focusing on sustainable and comprehensive development in mining-impacted regions. The new guidelines emphasise that 70 per cent of DMF funds should be directed towards the directly affected areas while prioritising development projects in aspirational districts and blocks as part of the national development strategy.

Infrastructure Energy

14 Oct 2025

Mizoram To Build Rs 139 Billion Pumped Storage Power Plant

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday announced plans to construct a 2,400 MW pumped storage hydroelectric power plant in Hnahthial district, marking a major step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency in the state. Addressing the Mizo Students’ Union general conference in Hnahthial town, the Chief Minister said the plant would be developed across the Darzo Nallah, a tributary of the Tuipui river. Once operational, the project is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting Mizoram’s rising electricity demand and reducing dependence on imported power. Officials from the State Power..

Centre Plans Nationwide Opening Of Power Retail Market

India is preparing to open up its retail electricity market to private companies nationwide, effectively ending the long-standing monopoly of state-run power distributors in most regions, according to a draft bill released by the Union Power Ministry on Friday. The move will enable major private sector players — including Adani Enterprises, Tata Power, Torrent Power, and CESC — to expand their presence across the country’s electricity distribution landscape. A similar reform attempt in 2022 had faced strong opposition from state-run distribution companies (discoms), which currently dom..

CEA Sets 100 GW Nuclear Target For India By 2047

In a landmark step marking its 52nd Foundation Day, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) unveiled an ambitious roadmap to develop 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047, aligning with India’s long-term Net-Zero commitment and energy security objectives. The event, held at the Central Water Commission auditorium in New Delhi’s R.K. Puram, was attended by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, who served as the Chief Guest. The roadmap sets out a detailed plan to expand India’s nuclear capacity from its current level of approximately 8,180 MW as of early 2025, outl..