PANAJI
The continuing mining ban in Goa has put the livelihoods of thousands of families in jeopardy. Several traders and workers' associations have warned that if the government does not take urgent action to resolve the crisis, scores of people would further lose their employment adding to the already critical state of unemployment in the State adding more pressure on the already struggling State economy that will deteriorate to the extent of irreparable damage.
"With the State government promising a resolution in the current Budget session, there is a glimmer of hope among the mining dependents, who feel that since the BJP has been re-elected, the government will now take action to resolve the crisis," stated a press release.
According to a recent survey, nearly two in five Goan households have been impacted by the mining ban in some way or the other with 1 in 5 being affected severely. The affected parties have strongly urged the government to take the legislative route to resume sustainable mining to revive the State economy and provide relief to the mining dependent families at the earliest.
Atul Jadhav, former president of Goa Barge Owners Association (GBOA), said, “In the last decade of mining crisis in Goa, river barge business is the most negatively impacted sector. There can be no alternate business to Barges other than Iron Ore cargo. Over 360 barges were operating with around 12,000 employed in the barge sector, including the crew at the barge, workshops, and service offices.”
Cletus Dsouza, Chairman, Mining Engineers Association of India (MEAI), Goa Chapter said, “MEAI has constantly represented the matter with the Central and State government for a viable solution by synchronizing the prevailing laws in Goa through prospective amendments. With the continuity of suspension, the technical and skilled workforce finds itself in a rather unfortunate position with this lack of empathy.”
Devanand Parab, president of Sesa Workers Union said: “Mining has been stopped for last four years, and our company is the only mining firm that has retained its employees. With no visibility on mining restart, there is a clear sword hanging on us and there is so much insecurity in terms of continued employment. The impact of this impending threat will affect around 2,000 employees and their families. We, the workmen representatives of mining dependent employees must not be caught unaware by this prevailing scenario.”
