CSR funds: Mining-affected areas in Jajpur get peanuts

Jajpur district administration might have collected more than ₹45 crore in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds over the past four years, but it has reportedly failed to utilise the funds in development of regions that are bearing the brunt of mining and industrial activities.

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Information obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) plea revealed a total of ₹45.87 crore was collected from various mining companies, industries and associated agencies between financial years 2021-22 and 2024-25 in the district. Of the amount, ₹42.06 crore was spent predominantly in Jajpur town and surrounding non-industrial areas, while the communities directly affected by mining and industrial activities got peanuts.

RTI petitioner Pradeep Kumar Pradhan alleged that there was a deliberate attempt to mislead the applicant by concealing information regarding the source of CSR funds at 15 locations listed in the response. As a result, apart from Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC), the contributions made by major mining and industrial companies operating in Sukinda and Kalinganagar areas remained unclear.