Four DMFT Project Managers, One Operator removed in Pakur

Kartik Kumar

Pakur

Four project managers and one computer operator engaged under the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) Cell in Pakur have been removed from service following directions issued by the Deputy Commissioner (DC), raising fresh questions over their appointments and the use of DMFT funds.

According to official sources, the personnel had been hired during the tenure of former Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar through an arrangement with an external agency. The appointees, reportedly including Aadhar Jamil, Srishti, Riya Kumari and Vandana, were assigned to monitor projects in the health and education sectors funded under the DMFT.

Sources claim that the project managers were receiving monthly remuneration ranging between **₹70,000 and ₹80,000**, with salaries paid from DMFT funds. It has also been alleged that the appointments were made around seven to eight months ago without a publicly advertised recruitment process, although the administration has not officially commented on the recruitment procedure.

After the matter reportedly came to the notice of the current Deputy Commissioner, orders were issued on Monday afternoon to discontinue the services of the four project managers and the computer operator.

The development has sparked debate over whether DMFT resources, which are intended to benefit mining-affected communities through infrastructure and welfare initiatives, were appropriately utilized. Critics have questioned whether local qualified candidates were considered for the positions and whether the appointments complied with established procedures.

RTI activist **Suresh Kumar Agrawal** has sought detailed information under the Right to Information Act regarding the recruitment process, including the number of individuals appointed to the DMFT Cell and the authority under whose approval the appointments were made. He has also questioned the expenditure incurred on salaries and stated that he intends to seek a broader inquiry into the use of DMFT funds.

The activist has alleged that several projects approved under the DMFT may warrant closer examination and claimed that some sanctioned schemes were later put on hold or cancelled by the present administration despite tendering.

As of now, district authorities have not issued a detailed public statement on the reasons for the removals or on the allegations surrounding the appointments. Any findings regarding procedural irregularities or misuse of funds would depend on the outcome of official inquiries or audits.

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