Govt seeks time from HC to submit report on DMF funds

Keonjhar: The state govt has sought additional time to submit its report before the Orissa high court regarding alleged misuse of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds earmarked for welfare and development projects in Keonjhar district.

The matter was heard on Wednesday by a two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Murahari Sri Raman.The case stems from a PIL filed on Oct 22 last year by social activist Subhakanta Nayak of Hatadihi in Keonjhar district. Nayak alleged large-scale misappropriation and irregularities in the functioning of DMF trust in Keonjhar. Acting on the HC’s directions, the state govt constituted a State Level Committee (SLC) to examine the allegations and submit a detailed report.

The next hearing has been scheduled for Dec 10, 2025. The petitioner’s counsel, Prashant Kumar Satapathy, informed the court that the committee, chaired by the chief secretary, is yet to submit its report despite repeated directions. During Wednesday’s hearing, the govt requested four more weeks (its third such plea) citing that reports from different departments are still under scrutiny.Earlier on Jan 2, 2025, the HC directed the SLC to take necessary steps and submit its findings. However, the deadline was missed. Subsequently, on March 5, the committee’s convener, Pradyumna Kumar Mahakud, filed an affidavit seeking eight additional weeks. On Aug 21, the govt sought another two months to complete the process, informing the court that only five of twelve departments had submitted their reports.

Now, for the third time, the govt has requested four more weeks to finalise and submit the report.