Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy Inaugurates DMF Gallery Showcasing SHG Products at Shastri Bhawan

New Delhi: Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, today inaugurated the DMF Gallery at Shastri Bhawan, highlighting products from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) formed under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) and Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojna (PMKKKY). Minister of State, Satish Chandra Dubey, was also present at the event.

The DMF Gallery aims to showcase the diverse products created by SHGs supported by mining companies under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The Ministers interacted with the SHGs and praised the quality and variety of products displayed by DMF-supported SHGs from Keonjhar and Koraput in Odisha. They also acknowledged the contributions of Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) and HINDALCO in supporting these groups across various districts in India.

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 from DMF Koraput is displaying lemongrass and Japanese mint oil products. The DMF Gallery will feature products from 25 SHGs supported by HCL on a rotational basis.

HINDALCO, adhering to the Sustainable Mining Charter Mandate, supports several SHGs, benefiting over 3,000 artisans. Notable initiatives include Kosala, rejuvenating Chhattisgarh Kosa weaves; Trina, promoting Kashi grass woven art; Jirhul, producing novel gel sanitary napkins; Vamshala, crafting bamboo and Kashi grass products; Kathautia and Vivartana, transforming Lantana weed into bio-composite artifacts.

The Ministry of Mines, through the amendment of the Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) (MMDR) Act in 2015, established the DMF in all mining-affected districts. The primary objective of the DMF is to benefit persons and areas impacted by mining activities. Through the DMF, various districts have set up SHGs that produce a wide range of local products, contributing to the socio-economic development of these regions.