G. Kishan Reddy Inaugurates DMF Gallery Showcasing Self-Help Group Products

The Ministers interacted with the SHGs, expressing appreciation for the products created by the DMF Keonjhar and Koraput SHGs from Odisha.

Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, inaugurated the DMF Gallery in Shastri Bhawan today, accompanied by Minister of State Shri Satish Chandra Dubey. The gallery will feature products from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) formed under the District Mineral Foundation/Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana, as well as those supported by mining companies under their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

The Ministers interacted with the SHGs, expressing appreciation for the products created by the DMF Keonjhar and Koraput SHGs from Odisha. They also commended Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) and HINDALCO for their support of SHGs in various districts across the country.

This week, the Krishna Self Help Group funded by DMF Keonjhar is showcasing millet food items, seeds, and Tasar silk products, while the Mahima Self Help Group funded by DMF Koraput is featuring lemongrass and Japanese mint oil products. Additionally, 25 SHGs supported by Hindustan Copper Ltd will present their products in the DMF Gallery on a rotational basis.

In line with the Sustainable Mining Charter Mandate, HINDALCO supports several SHGs, benefiting over 3,000 artisans. Their initiatives include Kosala, which rejuvenates Chhattisgarh Kosa weaves; Trina, promoting Kashi grass woven art; Jirhul, producing novel gel sanitary napkins; Vamshala, crafting bamboo and Kashi grass items; and Kathautia and Vivartana, which transform Lantana weed into bio-composite artifacts.

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 individuals and areas impacted by mining activities. Various districts have utilized the DMF to set up SHGs, producing a range of local products.

The inauguration of the DMF Gallery is a significant step towards promoting the efforts and products of SHGs, highlighting the positive impact of the DMF initiative on local communities.