Special Welfare Programmes Planned for Mining-Affected Areas in Bilaspur: Rajesh Dharmani
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Bilaspur, Jan 28, 2026: Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani said special programmes will be launched for children, women and adolescent girls in mining-affected areas of the district. He was chairing a review meeting of the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) at the Bachat Bhawan in Bilaspur.
The minister said the initiatives will focus on nutritional support, regular health check-ups and skill development to promote self-reliance among youth and women. Under the DMFT, supplementary diet will also be provided to TB patients on the lines of the Nikshay Mitra scheme to support faster recovery.
He added that a special skill training drive will be launched to empower economically weaker women, encouraging them towards self-employment with financial assistance wherever required. Youth will also be trained according to current market needs to connect them with employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Rajesh Dharmani informed that the state government has also set up a separate cell for overseas job placements to prepare skilled manpower in line with global requirements.
The minister said various DMFT-funded projects are contributing to overall development of mining-affected areas by strengthening health services, education, infrastructure and skill development, leading to improved living standards.
The meeting also approved providing an animal ambulance to the Animal Husbandry Department to ensure immediate treatment for injured animals.
Officials informed that under DMFT, a total of 644 development projects have been approved so far, including 104 high-priority and 540 other priority works. Major investments include water supply projects, education initiatives, environmental protection, health services, infrastructure development, sanitation, women and child welfare, and skill development programmes.
