SHILLONG, October 14: Meghalaya’s District Mineral Foundation (DMF) has mobilised ₹181 crore over the past decade, with 542 of 923 sanctioned projects completed, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said on Wednesday, stressing the need to reinvest mining revenue into sustainable livelihoods, community infrastructure and income-generating activities. Addressing the foundation’s 10th anniversary celebration at the State Convention Centre in Shillong, Sangma said, “Mining is a very important part of our economy. But it is important for the State to be able to reinvest the revenue and the money we get from it, in the form of things like DMF and other activities, the royalty we get, or whatever funds we get, reinvested back in a way that regenerates the economy into a more sustainable form,”
DMF-funded projects include classrooms, healthcare facilities, drinking water supply, footbridges and environmental restoration initiatives. Highlighting efforts to create alternative livelihoods, Sangma cited an eco-tourism park and a value-added bee products unit at Nengmandalgre, silkworm rearing and a weaving centre in Ri Bhoi, and a district emporium promoting local products. Referring to the Meghalayan Age Pavilion in Shillong, he said, “Every single shop out there that has been opened is an entrepreneur of Meghalaya. Every single product that is being sold there is a product that is made in Meghalaya by our people,”
The Chief Minister urged Deputy Commissioners to ensure effective utilization of DMF funds, complete ongoing projects without delay and identify opportunities for livelihood generation. He said the state government would support districts through coordinated funding and departmental convergence. “We are happy to work with you in terms of the Government, the Department, and even the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, where we can work on convergence mode, if necessary, and we can use the funds that you have and additional funds from our side to be able to create different infrastructures for livelihood and for income generation,” he said. Sangma also reiterated the need for safer, scientific and environmentally responsible mining practices suited to Meghalaya’s geological conditions and community land ownership system.
