Section 9B of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR) empowers State Governments to establish District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) to implement development programs in mining-affected areas. The Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) serves as the framework for utilizing DMF funds to support the welfare and development of these regions. Under PMKKKY, at least 70 per cent of the funds are allocated to high-priority sectors such as education, skill development, and livelihood generation, while up to 30 per cent is directed towards other priority sectors, including physical infrastructure. As of January 2025, Rs 1.04 trillion has been collected under DMFs, with Rs 884.83 billion sanctioned for 3.69 lakh projects. A total of 2.08 lakh projects have been completed, with Rs 559.24 billion spent across 645 DMF districts in 23 states. Worker safety, health, and welfare in mines are regulated under the Mines Act, 1952, and its associated rules and regulations. The Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), operating under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, ensures compliance through mine inspections and safety enforcement. Measures taken to reduce fatalities and improve worker safety include accident investigations, mine inspections, development of safety standards, national safety conferences, and awareness campaigns. Mine owners and lessees are required to adhere to the provisions of the Mines Act, 1952, along with regulations under the Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961, and Coal Mines Regulations, 2017, which include safeguards against dust, smoke, and harmful gases. Under Section 23C of the MMDR Act, 1957, State Governments have the authority to regulate and prevent illegal mining, transportation, and storage of minerals. While illegal mining falls under state jurisdiction, the Central Government supports these efforts through policy measures. The 2015 amendment to the MMDR Act introduced stringent penalties for illegal mining, including imprisonment and fines. The Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 2017, set guidelines for scientific mining practices. Additionally, the Mining Surveillance System (MSS), developed by the Ministry of Mines in collaboration with IBM, BISAG, and MEITY, employs space technology to monitor and curb illegal mining activities. News source: PIB