SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has announced a strategic shift toward a regenerative economy, pledging to reinvest mining revenues into sustainable livelihoods, community infrastructure, and income-generating ventures through the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).
Speaking at the DMF’s 10th-anniversary celebrations in Shillong, Sangma highlighted that while mining remains vital to the state’s economy, the government’s long-term vision is to transform resource-derived revenues into resilient, future-proof economic opportunities.
Over the past decade, the DMF has mobilized ₹181 crore in Meghalaya, funding 923 projects—including classrooms, healthcare enhancements, water supply schemes, footbridges, and environmental restoration.
Sangma urged districts to move beyond traditional infrastructure, emphasizing investments in sustainable ventures such as eco-tourism, value-added agriculture, and local entrepreneurship, citing successful initiatives in Nengmandalgre and Ri Bhoi as models.
The Chief Minister called on Deputy Commissioners to prioritize DMF funds for livelihood generation and assured full administrative support for resource convergence to supplement district initiatives.
He directed districts lagging in DMF implementation to expedite operationalization and project completion.
On mining regulation, Sangma reiterated the commitment to safer, scientific, and environmentally responsible practices, and revealed ongoing talks with the Government of India to lower minimum area requirements—potentially allowing smaller miners to participate in regulated extraction of coal, stone, boulders, and sand.
(4FrontMedia news)
