NewzVille Desk
Union Minister for Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, visited the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Exhibition held at the iconic Sun Temple in Konark. The exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Mines in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, runs from 18th to 21st January 2025. During his visit, the Minister engaged with members of various Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and explored a range of innovative products and solutions displayed at the exhibition, which showcased the transformative impact of DMF funds on mining-affected communities.
The theme of the exhibition, “Empowering Communities by Sustainable Development,” was brought to life through 18 vibrant stalls showcasing the work of DMF-supported Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Geological Survey of India (GSI), Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), NALCO, HZL/Vedanta, and the Odisha Government.
The products displayed focused on eco-friendly and sustainable solutions, including handcrafted items by SHGs, handwoven clothes, vibrant threads, and models of sustainable infrastructure projects funded by DMF.
These exhibits highlighted the creativity and resilience of the mining-affected communities. The eco-friendly and locally crafted products drew significant attention, reflecting the creativity and resilience of the communities involved.
By 21st January, the exhibition had achieved a significant milestone, with more than ₹ 9 lakh earned collectively by all participating SHGs, further emphasizing the impact of these initiatives in fostering financial empowerment.