the goan I network
PANAJI
Mindful of growing anxiety and resentment over the mining crisis and the impact it would have on the BJP in the State, state party leaders strongly felt that mines in Goa should be under the state’s control, even suggesting the formation of a mines development corporation.
The issue came up for discussion on Saturday when the BJP convened a meeting of its legislators and office-bearers on the ways to resolve the mining crisis. The meeting, chaired by BJP national general secretary (organisations) B L Santhosh, was attended by party legislators and office-bearers at its office in Panaji.
The meeting comes ahead of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s visit to Goa on March 20 and a massive protest rally being planned by mining dependents in Panaji on Monday.
During the meeting, BJP MLAs expressed their strong concerns over the mining crisis and urged the Centre to resolve the situation in the interest of people in Goa.
In this connection, the MLAs conveyed to Santhosh that mines in Goa should be within state control and even suggested the setting up of a mines development corporation.
Some BJP MLAs also expressed fears over the possible consequences if mining leases were to be auctioned and “outsiders” were to take control of them. They felt that the mines development corporation would be the best option to safeguard the interests of Goa and Goans.
With many of the BJP MLAs from the mining belt and under immense pressure from their voters, mainly mining dependents, to work out a solution, they were keen that the party come clear on its position on the mining crisis at the earliest.
Based on interactions with the state BJP leaders Santhosh is expected to present his report to BJP National President Amit Shah and Gadkari.
“We are trying to work a way out of the current mining crisis, which has affected lakhs of people in the state. All possible efforts would be made to ensure that the people dependent on the mining industry are not left in the lurch,” Assembly Speaker and BJP legislator Dr Pramod Sawant told reporters after the meeting.
Dr Sawant said the state and central governments are leaving no stone unturned to make sure that the mining activities resume soon.
Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho said all stakeholders of the mining industry would be taken into confidence before the the government decide its future
action.
