The law ministry advice to the central Mines Ministry to decline Goa’s request for an amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act comes as a big blow to the nearly two-lakh
mining-dependents who have been anxiously but
patiently holding on to a thin thread of hope provided by the government.
The ordinance and mining act amendment options have virtually failed to find favour with the Centre, and here comes another route. Union law secretary Suresh Chandra opines that Goa’s mining lease holders themselves can approach the Supreme Court directly for a review of the February 7 judgement seeking restoration of their “vested rights” in the 88 cancelled mining leases. This only means that the governments are only washing their hands off and pushing the ball in the court of the mine owners. If this was the case, why were false hopes and assurances given to people all this while.
Over the past few months there have been several rounds of meetings involving BJP central leaders and Goa MPs -- Shripad Naik, Vinay Tendulkar and Narendra Sawaikar. Assurances were given to the mining-affected people and even to legislators outside mining areas that deliberations are in progress at various levels. There was an impression given that a resolution is imminent.
Interestingly, while the Goan political leadership continued to take their vows, the Centre pulled the plug on the ordinance route leaving everyone groping in the dark and clueless. The only excuse offered by our political class was that the ordinance route was never on the government’s agenda and that the option of amending the MMDR Act was being actively considered.
With the law ministry suggestion now to reject even a legislative cure, all hopes seem to have been dashed. And yet again the local leadership of the BJP is completely caught unawares. Nobody is going to be convinced on Tendulkar’s suggestion that a solution to the mining imbroglio will come in 10-15 days. Tendulkar is only biding for time after repeatedly bluffing the people.
A clear disconnect is visible between State BJP leaders and the party bosses in Delhi who hold the reins of power at the Centre. In the absence of Parrikar, the second rung of State leadership has failed to mediate. It only appears that our MPs are taken for granted. Surprisingly, an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apprise him of the Goa situation, remained elusive.
Why is there no clarity still, and why are leaders still biding for time? Is the BJP trying to push the time-frame keeping the Lok Sabha elections in mind? Do not play with the livelihoods of mining-affected Goans to satisfy your political agendas. If the government is helpless, be upfront and go to the people instead of giving out false promises. Do not drive people to a point of extreme frustration by making them wait endlessly in hope.
