Mining companies in Odisha are funding social development projects in Keonjhar and Sundergarh districts of Odisha through Gramin Vikash Chaitanya Kendra (GVCK).

GVCK, which is a trust formed to spearhead Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in mineral rich districts, would develop healthcare, infrastructure, water and allied services like construction of cold storages in the mining belt.

The trust may also establish a multi-specialty hospital. In addition, the trust plans to establish two DAV colleges with mid-day meals facilities.

Some of the miners who fund the trust include KJS Ahluwalia, RP Sao, DR Patnaik, Indrani Patnaik, Prashant Ahluwalia, Tarini Minerals, Kalinga Mining Corporation and Thriveni Earthmovers.

The miners are funding these projects after the Justice MB Shah Commission directed the former to come out with a detailed blueprint for overall development of Keonjhar and Sundergarh districts.

Though mine owners had reaped the bounties of these iron ore rich regions, there was no commensurate development of local people affected by mineral extraction activities.

The Accountant General - Odisha has recently urged the state government to get involved in the process and monitor the utilisation of funds meant for periphery development in mining districts.