Giving Them Their Due

For a young state, Chhattisgarh has made impresssive strides in rural development and in moving up the swachh index

- Rahul Noronha

Chhattisgarh is a relatively new state but it has been at the forefront of launching initiatives that have received praise from across the country. Inclusive development has been a trait associated with Chhattisgarh right from its inception. The revenue accrued from mineral wealth mining, used judiciously, has had a big hand in this.

The District Mineral Foundation (DMF) was created specifically to give back to areas where mineral wealth is exploited, helping the state achieve numerous social sector targets. Simply put, the DMF is a not-for-profit body with contribution from the district’s miners. In Dantewada, home to the famous Bailadila iron ore mines, the DMF has created assets not seen in even so-called prosperous districts. The fully staffed district hospital is one such initiative, so is the education city developed at Jawanga, which has earned the district administration national awards. The district is using the DMF to even create livelihoods, from rearing of livestock to call centres.