It has been revealed that two funds namely the Goa Iron Ore Permanent Fund (GIOPF) and the Goa District Mineral Fund (GDMF) have accumulated amounts respectively of Rs. 419.65 crores and Rs. 177.65 crores which has so far not been utilized. In view of the closure of mining activities on March 15, it would be suggested that each of the 60,000 mining-dependent people be paid a subsistence amount of Rs. 3,000/- per month so as to tide over the ‘emergency’ situation until normal mining activities resume on the compliance of Supreme Court directives.
The payout will amount to Rs. 216 crores per year and can be implemented within 3 months on furnishing of written verified declarations that the claimant is affected by mining closure.
The only roadblock is that in the absence of the Chief Minister who is undergoing treatment in the United States, no other minister is empowered to take the decision.
However, the Centre will not hesitate to allow an Ordinance for implementation of this scheme. The collection of claimants’ verified details can be started immediately. This is only a stopgap measure, given that normal mining activities will resume within one to one and a half year from cessation. Emergency situations require emergency action though only meant for present subsistence.
STEPHEN DIAS, Dona Paula
