Shillong, Oct 14: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today emphasised the State Government’s commitment to reinvesting revenue generated from mining into sustainable livelihood opportunities, community infrastructure and income-generating activities through the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).
Addressing the programme celebrating 10 years of the District Mineral Foundation at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, the Chief Minister said that while mining continues to be a vital pillar of Meghalaya’s economy, the Government’s larger objective is to utilise the revenue generated from the sector to build a more sustainable and regenerative economy.
Over the last decade, the District Mineral Foundation has mobilised ₹181 crore in Meghalaya, with 923 projects sanctioned across the State, of which 542 have been completed.
The funds have been utilised for a wide range of developmental interventions, including the construction of classrooms, improvement of healthcare facilities, drinking water supply projects, footbridges connecting remote villages, and environmental restoration activities such as water conservation dams and tree plantation in quarry areas.
Highlighting the importance of moving beyond conventional infrastructure development, the Chief Minister said that DMF resources must increasingly be directed towards projects that create lasting economic opportunities for communities, particularly in mining-affected areas.
He cited several initiatives undertaken by districts, including the development of an eco-tourism park and a value-added bee products unit at Nengmandalgre, silkworm rearing and a weaving centre in Ri Bhoi, and a district emporium to promote locally produced goods.
These initiatives, he said, demonstrate how funds generated through mining can be reinvested into alternative economic activities that create employment, support local entrepreneurship and provide sustainable sources of income.
“Mining is a very important part of our economy. But it is important for the State to be able to reinvest the revenue and the money we get from it, in the form of things like DMF and other activities, the royalty we get, or whatever funds we get, reinvested back in a way that regenerates the economy into a more sustainable form,” the Chief Minister said.
He particularly stressed the potential of food processing, tourism, entrepreneurship and value addition as sectors where DMF investments could have a long-term impact.
Referring to the State’s agricultural potential, he said that while farmers produce a wide range of products, greater emphasis must be placed on processing and value addition to create sustainable enterprises and improve economic returns for local communities.
The Chief Minister also referred to the Meghalayan Age Pavilion, inaugurated in Shillong on Tuesday, as an example of the Government’s vision of promoting homegrown entrepreneurship and showcasing Meghalaya’s products.
He said the Pavilion represents the collective enterprise of local weavers, fruit wine producers, ice cream makers and other entrepreneurs, with products sourced and manufactured within Meghalaya.
“Every single shop out there that has been opened is an entrepreneur of Meghalaya. Every single product that is being sold there is a product that is made in Meghalaya by our people,” he said.
He added that the Government has been consistently working towards transforming Meghalaya from an extractive economy into a regenerative economy, where revenue generated from natural resources is strategically invested in sectors capable of sustaining livelihoods for future generations.
The Chief Minister urged Deputy Commissioners across the State to examine opportunities for utilising DMF funds more creatively and productively, particularly for livelihood generation and the creation of income-generating infrastructure.
He assured the districts that the State Government, concerned departments and the Chief Minister’s Secretariat would extend support through convergence of resources wherever necessary.
“We are happy to work with you in terms of the Government, the Department, and even the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, where we can work on convergence mode, if necessary, and we can use the funds that you have and additional funds from our side to be able to create different infrastructures for livelihood and for income generation,” he said.
The Chief Minister also called upon districts where DMF has not yet been constituted or is not functioning actively, despite the presence of mining activities, to review the situation and take necessary steps to operationalise the Foundation.
He congratulated East Jaintia Hills and other districts for their initiatives and urged all Deputy Commissioners to ensure timely completion of sanctioned projects and effective utilisation of available funds.
Speaking on the broader mining sector, the Chief Minister reiterated that mining remains one of Meghalaya’s largest employment generators and continues to support the livelihoods of thousands of families.
He said the Government is pursuing a gradual transition towards safer, scientific and environmentally responsible mining practices while taking into account Meghalaya’s unique geological conditions and community land ownership system.
He informed that sustained engagement with the Government of India, including discussions with the Union Coal Minister, has resulted in positive developments towards reconsidering the minimum area requirements for mining, which could eventually enable smaller miners to participate in scientific mining activities.
He emphasised that mining regulations and technological solutions must be adapted to local conditions without compromising the safety of miners or environmental safeguards.
The Chief Minister said the Government is similarly examining mechanisms to address regulatory challenges faced by small-scale miners engaged in the extraction of stone, boulders, sand and other minerals.
He maintained that the transition must be practical and inclusive, balancing environmental responsibility with employment generation and the economic interests of local communities.
