Pratapgarh DMF Issue: MP Mannalal Rawat Raises Concerns in Lok Sabha

Pratapgarh DMF Dispute Raised in Lok Sabha

Dr. Mannalal Rawat, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Udaipur, raised the issue of stalled development projects under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in Rajasthan's Pratapgarh district during the Zero Hour in Lok Sabha, while the MP questioned the working style of Pratapgarh District Collector Dr. Anjali Rajoria, alleging that public welfare projects are being intentionally obstructed at the administrative level. He called for an impartial high-level inquiry into the matter to ensure accountability and transparency in the execution of sanctioned works.

Allegations of Blocking 51 Approved Projects

According to the details provided by MP Mannalal Rawat in the House, a total of 54 development projects were approved during a DMF meeting in Pratapgarh. These projects encompassed critical sectors such as education, drinking water, and basic infrastructure. The MP stated that all these works had already received financial approval from the state government. However, he alleged that the District Collector, exercising personal discretion, allowed only 3 projects to proceed while halting the remaining 51 sanctioned works without valid justification.

Impact on Education and Water Infrastructure

The suspension of these development activities has Importantly affected the local population in mining-impacted regions. The MP highlighted that the stalled projects include the urgent repair of dilapidated school buildings and the establishment of drinking water systems in rural areas. Referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047', Dr. Rawat emphasized that such administrative hurdles are detrimental to the nation's development goals and cause unnecessary hardship to the common citizens who rely on these essential services.

Demand for Structural Reforms in DMF Governance

During his address, the MP advocated for structural changes in the governance of the District Mineral Foundation. Currently, the governing council of the DMF is chaired by the District Collector. Dr. Rawat argued that this arrangement often leads to friction between administrative decisions and the priorities set by elected representatives. He demanded that the Lok Sabha MP of the respective constituency should be appointed as the Chairperson of the DMF. He believes this shift would ensure that development works are prioritized based on local needs and public demand.

History of Administrative Friction in Pratapgarh

The MP noted that the ongoing conflict between the district administration and public representatives has been a recurring issue in Pratapgarh. He informed the House that he had previously addressed letters to the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan regarding this lack of coordination, but no significant improvement has been observed. Dr. Rawat insisted that all 54 approved projects must be implemented on the ground immediately to prevent further delays in regional growth and to uphold the spirit of the DMF's establishment in 2015.