Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video conference talk on mining may have enthused party legislators from the mining belt, soon after he highlighted the role of the Centre and State governments and the MPs from Goa whom he claimed “are working hard” on a “legal solution”.
Power Minister Nilesh Cabral and South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar were quick to take positives from the Modi talk, holding out fresh hopes. The crux of the matter however is that the PM has not revealed anything new. There is no paradigm shift in approach, neither is there any reason to rejoice. The PM has not given any categorically assurance of a mining revival and the issue continues to remain in a state of flux. Modi has only stressed that his government is making efforts for a solution and experts have been consulted. This is the same assurance held out by State MPs, who have been frequenting the national capital. The only difference is that Goa got to hear it from the prime minister this time.
A minor takeaway is the fact that Modi has taken cognizance and said these are genuine concerns of the people that affected the livelihoods of thousands of dependents.
But herein lies the paradox. An issue of such gravity has been hanging in thin air for nearly a year while the Modi government has gone ahead with far-reaching decisions in quick time, including the latest 10 per cent reservations for the economically-backward classes in the upper caste.
If the government is conscious of the concerns of the mining-affected, why is there no urgency and clarity on the way forward? When major decisions are forced through, why is the vexed mining issue not addressed with the seriousness it deserved given the fact that it is affecting not only thousands of Goans but also the economy of the State as well.
Let’s not forget Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s letter to Union Mines Minister Narendra Tomar in September from his AIIMS hospital bed seeking a legislative cure to mining. Let’s not forget the words of caution sounded by senior members including TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai and PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar. In fact, in November 2018, the MGP even threw an empty bombshell at the BJP holding out a vague threat of quitting the coalition if the mining crisis was not resolved.
The mining saga however continues to be one of endless promises, excuses and deadlines. The positive news that both Cabral and Sawaikar are expecting soon is the same one which the people have been awaiting for nearly a year. And with no news forthcoming, the mining-affected have moved from pillar to post. From morchas to silent protests, from Delhi dharna to seeking an appointment with the Central bosses, the much sought mining solution continues to elude.
Lest we forget, it was party spokesperson Cabral who called a press conference in August 2018 to announce that the PM has shown keen interest in the mining crisis and that a solution will be arrived at in the next two to three months. Leave aside the several assurances given by the BJP State President Vinay Tendulkar. In November 2018, North Goa MP Shripad Naik reached the summit of optimism and promised a solution in 15 days while indicating that the Centre is seized with the issue.
People of Goa are not impressed with assurances any more, and their patience has run out in far measure. It’s time for action.
