JMM, BJP trade barbs over DMFT funds

Ranchi: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the BJP on Friday traded barbs over district mineral foundation trust (DMFT) funds in the state after state BJP president claimed there was a widespread misuse of the funds.JMM spokesperson Tanuj Khatri said Jharkhand’s mining affected areas missed out on DMFT funds due to the lackadaisical approach of the Centre. "Earlier, 30% royalty went to DMFT, which provided adequate funds for education, health, employment, and environmental improvement in mining-affected districts. Now, with only 10% royalty going to DMFT, central govt's companies are benefiting," he said. `Marandi claimed DMFT fund scam has been uncovered in Dhanbad, Bokaro and Koderma and urged CM Hemant Soren to order a high-level probe into the alleged misuse of DMFT fund in Koderma between 2022 and 2024.