Rs 39.34 cr in funds, zero projects in Meghalaya’s mining-affected village: HYC

Shillong: The Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) on Friday submitted a memorandum to East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner (DC) Isawanda Laloo, who is also chairperson of the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), concerning the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) Scheme.

The scheme aims to help those living in mining-affected areas.

HYC general secretary Roy Synrem said they filed an RTI and found out that the DMF, East Khasi Hills District, has received a total contribution of Rs 39.34 crore from January 2118 to September 2021. The DMF was constituted in May 2018.

“Out of this total, contribution made by the 5 mining licence holders from Shella Village area for the same period is a whopping Rs 32,65,75,576,” Synrem added.

The union said it is sad and disappointing to know that Shella Village, which is a highly affected area because of mining activities, and that majority of the contributions made towards the DMF Funds is from the mining licence holders from the area, has not seen any development in the form of a project or some scheme that could help the village.

The HYC said it has given an ultimatum of 15 days to implement welfare project(s) in the village or else they will be compelled to move the High Court of Meghalaya because the administration has failed to follow the guidelines given by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India.

Synrem added that the deputy commissioner has assured to convene a meeting in the next few weeks and will update the same to the the union.

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