Is the Jharkhand Government Involved in a Rs 2,000 Crore DMF Trust Scam?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Serious allegations of corruption against the Jharkhand government.
- The District Mineral Foundation Trust's purpose is to aid community development.
- The scandal may have far-reaching implications for governance in Jharkhand.
- BJP demands accountability and scrutiny of fund management.
- Legal proceedings are underway as directed by the Jharkhand High Court.
New Delhi, Oct 15 (NationPress) BJP National spokesperson Tuhin Sinha accused the Hemant Soren-led government in Jharkhand of being implicated in a staggering Rs 2,000 crore scandal involving the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Trust.
During a press briefing at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Sinha pointed out that the trust was established under the Mineral Amendment Act of March 2015, which requires mining districts to allocate a percentage of their royalty income - between 10 and 30 percent - for community development in the affected regions.
Sinha asserted that the scandal, which surfaced in Bokaro, represents merely the “tip of the iceberg” and may have broader consequences for the state.
He noted that BJP leader Babulal Marandi had revealed details of the fraud, estimated to involve up to Rs 2,000 crore, which was misappropriated by various individuals in the administration.
Sinha also targeted opposition figures, particularly Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, implying that the scandal might be part of a larger scheme to illegally divert funds.
“Rahul Gandhi must clarify whether he is involved in this endeavor to siphon off funds through this scam,” Sinha stated.
The controversy, which revolves around the improper use of funds meant for the welfare of mining-affected communities, has raised significant concerns regarding governance and accountability in Jharkhand.
The BJP spokesperson accused the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) coalition of neglecting tribal communities and exploiting their resources.
On October 13, the Jharkhand High Court instructed the state government to provide a formal response within the next four weeks as the legal proceedings continue.
The BJP has urged for intensified scrutiny of the state government, claiming it has mismanaged the funds allocated for the development of tribal regions.