Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy Inaugurates DMF Gallery in Shastri Bhawan

Union Minister of Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, along with Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey, inaugurated the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Gallery at Shastri Bhawan in New Delhi on Tuesday, 2nd July 2024. The gallery showcases products from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) formed under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana and those supported by mining companies under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

DMF Gallery Highlights

The DMF Gallery features products created by SHGs from various districts, with a current focus on items from Keonjhar and Koraput SHGs in Odisha. The Krishna Self Help Group funded by DMF Keonjhar is showcasing millet food items, seeds, and Tasar silk products, while the Mahima Self Help Group funded by DMF Koraput is featuring lemongrass and Japanese mint oil products.

Corporate Support

Minister Reddy commended Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) and HINDALCO for their support of SHGs. HINDALCO’s initiatives benefit over 3,000 artisans, with projects like Kosala rejuvenating Chhattisgarh Kosa weaves and Trina promoting Kashi grass woven art.

Sustainable Mining Charter

In line with the Sustainable Mining Charter Mandate, the gallery will also feature products from 25 SHGs supported by HCL on a rotational basis. Other notable SHG initiatives include Jirhul’s gel sanitary napkins, Vamshala’s bamboo and Kashi grass items, and Kathautia and Vivartana’s bio-composite artifacts from Lantana weed.

District Mineral Foundation Initiative

The District Mineral Foundation, established through a 2015 amendment to the Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) (MMDR) Act, aims to benefit individuals and areas impacted by mining activities. Minister Reddy highlighted that India has over 650 districts, with a focus on empowerment, employment generation, and the welfare of women and youth in mining-affected areas. He noted that approximately 18,000 projects have been completed under the DMF initiative and assured continued upliftment work.