Raipur. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai has given important instructions to the officials for better and faster utilization of the District Mineral Trust (DMF) funds in the mining-affected districts.

In a review meeting held in Raigarh, the Chief Minister said that the scope of development works is increasing rapidly in districts like Dantewada, Raigarh and Korba, hence there is a need for additional technical infrastructure and engineering staff.

The Chief Minister directed the Public Works Department to constitute additional divisions in these districts and ensure the arrangement of necessary technical staff soon, so that the development works can be completed on time and with quality.

In the meeting, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the use of DMF funds should not be limited only to construction works, but its direct benefits should be visible to the people of mining affected villages.

He directed the officials to develop the villages affected by mining activities as “model villages” on priority basis.

The Chief Minister said that overall development of roads, drinking water, health, education, playgrounds, community buildings and other basic facilities should be ensured in these villages.

He said that the people of the areas from where the state is getting mineral wealth should get the first right to development.

Chief Minister Sai urged officials to work with sensitivity and accountability. He directed them to ensure transparency, quality, and timeliness in the use of DMF funds.

The Chief Minister said that the state government's intention is to see a real change in the living standards of people living in mining-affected areas. For this, it is essential that the benefits of the schemes reach the villages directly.

Senior administrative officials also briefed the meeting on the progress of ongoing DMF projects in various districts. The Chief Minister stressed the need to expedite the completion of pending projects and strengthen ground-level monitoring.