Rich Mines, Poor Villages: Where Is the DMF Money?

This opinion article examines the gap between substantial District Mineral Foundation (DMF) fund collections and persistent development deficits in mining-affected communities in Jharkhand. Despite significant mineral revenues, many villages continue to face inadequate access to safe drinking water, healthcare, education, sanitation and livelihood opportunities. The article analyses challenges relating to DMF fund utilisation, institutional accountability, transparency and community participation. It argues for strengthening Gram Sabha involvement, social audits, public disclosure of project expenditure and needs-based development planning, particularly in tribal and mining-affected areas. It emphasises that DMF resources must directly benefit the communities whose land, livelihoods and environment are affected by mineral extraction. The article calls for a shift towards participatory, transparent and community-centred governance of mineral development revenues.