Odisha drags feet on DMF funds use, ranks 7th on project implementation

Most states are sluggish to spend DMF funds. Tamil Nadu, Karantaka and Telanagana have lacklustre spending rate of below 10 per cent

Odisha despite boasting of the highest fund accruals under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) has turned to be a laggard state in implementing the projects.

Figures sourced from the Union mines ministry place Odisha at the top of the heap in DMF collection with the state mopping up Rs 53.64 billion (as on March 30, 2018). But in terms of implementation of projects under DMF, Odisha ranks seventh, with a utilisation rate of 15 per cent. Of the total funds accruing to DMF in Odisha, Rs 39.22 billion has been sanctioned. However, only Rs 8.16 billion of the overall proceeds has