DMFT Scam Allegations in Jharkhand Reveal Fresh Irregularities Across Multiple Districts

The BJP claims a widespread DMFT scam in Jharkhand, citing new irregularities from various districts. The ruling JMM references a CAG report highlighting past misuse of funds.

The BJP has accused the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) of widespread misuse of District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) funds across Jharkhand. New allegations of fund mismanagement have emerged from Koderma and Dhanbad districts. Meanwhile, JMM has pointed to a CAG report highlighting irregularities during the BJP's Raghubar Das administration from 2015 to 2021.

Marandi, the opposition leader in the state assembly, stated that the Bokaro DMFT scam is just a small part of a larger issue affecting the entire state. He mentioned that similar scams are now being reported in Koderma and Dhanbad. In September, Marandi accused bureaucrats and Chief Minister Hemant Soren of involvement in the Bokaro scam.

Allegations Against Bureaucrats

Marandi claimed that IAS officers in Jharkhand carry not only their experience but also their old brokers and contractor partners when they move between districts. He specifically accused Aditya Ranjan, a deputy commissioner, of misusing DMFT funds for skill development projects in Koderma and continuing similar practices in Dhanbad.

Marandi has called on Chief Minister Hemant Soren to initiate a high-level investigation into the DMFT fund usage in Koderma for the years 2022-24. He believes such an inquiry is crucial to uncovering the extent of corruption and holding those responsible accountable.

JMM's Response to Allegations

The JMM has countered these accusations by asserting that their government is taking strict measures against corruption. They claim that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is actively pursuing cases against corrupt officials. "Ours is not a BJP government that officers involved in corruption will go unpunished," stated JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey.

Pandey highlighted that while scams occurred during BJP regimes, no action was taken then. He assured that anyone found guilty of involvement in current scams would face consequences. The JMM maintains that their administration is committed to transparency and accountability in using DMFT funds.

CAG Report Findings

Tanuj Khatri, another JMM central committee member, referred to a CAG report covering 2015-2021, which identified significant irregularities under Raghubar Das's tenure. Khatri argued that these issues stemmed from flawed BJP policies and management rather than current governance practices.

Khatri also criticised the central government's policies, stating they hinder adequate funding for local communities affected by mining activities. The JMM demands an increase in DMFT contributions to better support these districts' needs.

The ongoing debate over DMFT fund management highlights deep political divisions in Jharkhand. Both parties continue to exchange accusations while claiming commitment to addressing corruption and ensuring proper fund utilisation for public welfare.

With inputs from PTI