Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, inaugurated the DMF Gallery in Shastri Bhawan today, with Minister of State Shri Satish Chandra Dubey also in attendance. The gallery features products created by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) formed under the District Mineral Foundation/Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojna, and SHGs supported by mining companies through their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
The Ministers engaged with the SHGs, commending the products developed by SHGs from DMF Keonjhar and Koraput in Odisha. They also lauded the significant contributions of Hindustan Copper Limited and HINDALCO in supporting SHGs across various districts.
This week, Krishna Self Help Group, funded by DMF Keonjhar, is showcasing millet food items, seeds, and Tasar silk products, while Mahima Self Help Group, funded by DMF Koraput, is presenting lemongrass and Japanese mint oil products. Additionally, 25 SHGs supported by Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) will display their products in the DMF Gallery on a rotating basis.
In line with the Sustainable Mining Charter Mandate, HINDALCO supports numerous SHGs, benefiting over 3,000 artisans. Products include Chhattisgarh Kosa weaves (Kosala), kashi grass woven art (Trina), novel gel sanitary napkins (Jirhul), bamboo and kashi grass crafts (Vamshala), and bio-composite artifacts from Lantana weed (Kathautia and Vivartana).
The Ministry of Mines, through the 2015 amendment to the Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) (MMDR) Act, established the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in all mining-affected districts. The DMF aims to benefit people and areas impacted by mining operations. Various districts have since formed SHGs producing diverse local products through DMF initiatives.
