PANAJI
The Aam Aadmi Party has cautiously welcomed the recently passed bill to form the Goa Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC), while challenging the government to clarify glaring issues and prove that it’s real intention is to ensure maximum benefit to Goa and Goans.
In a press note, AAP recalls that during a courtesy visit of State convenor Rahul Mhambre to the Raj Bhavan this month, Governor of Goa was urged to give his assent to the bill and exhort the government to take all steps required to resume mining activities at the earliest.
Pointing out some major flaws in the bill, Mhambre has questioned whether the government has taken the GMDC seriously, or has just passed a bill in a hurry to give false hope to mining dependents before elections, states the press note.
“In the memorandum attached to the bill, the government shockingly estimates that establishment of the Corporation will involve financial implication of only Rs 5 crore. This amount is inadequate by a huge degree. Has the government actually studied the scale and scope of the operations required to run mining activity? Or is this bill just a carrot to be dangled before mining dependents in order to get their votes in the upcoming assembly elections,” questioned Mhambre.
The press note further states that Mhambre has also demanded clarification on whether the GMDC would be the sole authority through which mining would be carried out in Goa.
Mhambre further said, “The Board of GMDC must have balanced composition so that all stakeholders are consulted and involved to have a sustainable mining in Goa.” He also said that the GMDC was an excellent opportunity to provide employment, and urged the government to take immediate steps in this regard.
“The GMDC can absorb the employees who were laid off by the private firms, as they are qualified and experienced enough to ensure immediate resumption of mining operations. The GMDC should also speedily engage the machinery, truck, barge and other ancillary service providers, so that the entire mining ecosystem can be revitalised which will give a boost to the overall economy of Goa as well,” said Mhambre in the press note.
