NHRC seeks ATR from Odisha Chief Secy over underutilisation of DMF funds in State

THE National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Chief Secretary of Odisha to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) over the allegations of underutilisation of District Mineral Foundations (DMF) funds in various mining-affected areas of the state.

- PBD BUREAU/IANS

The NHRC has also directed the Chief Secretary to submit the ATR within two weeks of receipt of the order. The apex rights body issued the order while hearing a plea filed by rights activist Manoj Jena.

“The complainant has drawn the attention of the Commission over the issue of underutilisation of DMF Funds in Odisha. Further, Odisha has collected over Rs 30,000 crore in DMF funds, but nearly Rs 18,000 crore is still unspent, leaving mining-affected areas lacking in basic services like healthcare and clean water. He urges the concerned authorities to use the funds properly, involve local communities, and ensure transparency,” reads the order.