the goan I network
VASCO
Various mining affected associations met Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida on Monday to seek his support on the resumption of mining activity.
The Goa Barge owner association (GBOA), Custom House agents, launch owner association, steamer agents association, stevedores union and various other mining affected bodies interacted with the MLA at Almeida Hall in Vasco.
A core committee comprising three members from each association was later constituted and Almeida assured to take this core committee to meet the governor, MPs and other authorities.
The GBOA submitted a memorandum to Almeida, requesting his support on extension of debt relief scheme, which was extended and valid till March 31, to be extended by another six months.
Presidents of various associations also requested the government to permit mining activity till May 31, the deadline term for the entire shipping season.
Stating that mining was the backbone of the fragile economy which generated employment to about around 60,000 people, the association leaders said if mining was stopped it would affect around 2 lakh people, which is almost 20% of Goa’s population.
GBOA President Raymond D’Sa said the livelihood of about 30,000 workers and dependents was at stake in Vasco and its suburbs alone.
“Vasco, the port town, would degenerate into a ghost town if mining stops. We request the government to allow mining activity till the end of the free shipping period “ May 31,” said D’Sa.
“We had taken loans to repair barges after the Goa government had renewed mining leases. We had also spoken to ARC (Asset Reconstruction Companies) who had given us loan approvals but have now gone back after the Supreme Court directions.”
“We also request the government to give us an extension of six months on Debt Relief Scheme, which was valid till March 31. We also request the government take over our loans or take care of the loans of the mining-affected people.”
“We also request the government not to allow mining auction to outsiders, who will get all machinery from outside the state and employ non-Goans,” said D’Sa.
