₹13 crore mineral fund sanctioned for flouting rules for green gym
On the other hand, the demand for group health insurance for the people of mining affected villages has also gone unheeded, despite these most specific provisions being made in the rules by the central and state governments.
Nagpur: At a time when a large number of villages affected by mining are largely deprived of proper medical and self-employment facilities, The District Mineral Foundation (DMF) has sanctioned around Rs 13 crore for setting up 200 green gyms, although there is absolutely no provision in the rules for similar expenditure.
On the other hand, the demand for group health insurance for the people of mining affected villages has also gone unheeded, despite these most specific provisions being made in the rules by the central and state governments.
The General Assembly of the Zilla Parishad (ZP) in its meeting held several days back, M/s Friends Sport has been approved a work order of ₹ 13 crores for setting up green gyms at 200 places in about 11 tehsils in the district — Nagpur rural, Kuhi, Bhivapur, Mauda, Saoner, Ramtek, Kamptee, Umred, Parsheoni, Narkhed and Kalmeshwar.
There is no provision to spend mineral funds on Green Gym
According to the sources, in the meeting held on July 11, 2022, under the chairmanship of the collector, the District Mineral Foundation approved the mineral fund for this work and also gave the responsibility of execution to the Zilla Parishad. Accordingly, the Zila Parishad has completed the tendering process and is all set to issue the work order.
According to the rules made by the Ministry of Mines of the Central Government on the date of September 16, 2015, and thereafter by the State Government on the date of September 1, 2016, there is no provision at all to spend mineral funds on Green Gym. The rules also specifically list the tasks that can be performed using the mineral fund.
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