The Centre has launched the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) for the welfare of people affected by mining related operations. The scheme aims at mitigating the adverse impacts due to mining operation on the environment and health and ensuring long-term sustainable livelihoods for the affected people in mining areas. <br/><br/>In a statement, Mines Ministry said, 60 per cent of the funds will be spent on high priority areas including drinking water supply, health care, sanitation, education and skill development of the affected people. Besides, the rest of the funds will be spent on making roads, bridges, railways, waterways projects, irrigation and alternative energy sources. The government has also notified the rates of contribution payable by miners to the District Mineral Foundations, DMFs. <br/><br/>According to the notification, miners will have to contribute 30 per cent of the royalty payable by them to DMFs in case of mining leases executed before 12th of January this year and 10 per cent of the royalty where mining leases are granted after 12th January. The funds generated by the District Mineral Foundations will be spent on implementation of the scheme.