BICHOLIM
Stating that nearly 3 lakh people would continue to suffer if the State and Central governments fail to resolve the issue of mining in Goa, the Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF) said both governments have to find some solution to resolve the issue and resume mining activity in Goa.
Speaking to reporters, Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF) leader Puti Gaonkar said he along with a delegation had met Speaker Pramod Sawant at Sakhali on Friday morning to seek clarity on the issue of mining resumption, in light of media reports on the Centre’s alleged disinterest in following up the ordinance route.
“We also asked Dr Sawant to follow up the matter with the central government,” said Gaonkar.
“Dr Sawant told us that the Central government was keen to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill, 1957 during the forthcoming parliament session in December,” he added.
Dr Sawant told the GMPF that he along with Goa MPs Vinay Tendulkar and Narendra Sawaikar had met BJP National President Amit Shah last week and Shah had asked Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to pursue the file on amendments to the MMDR Act, presently pending with the office of Attorney General of India.
Gaonkar told reporters that the minor amendment to MMDR Act would help mining leases to get an extended life till 2037.
“The amendment can be moved in parliament during the upcoming session, to enable the mining industry resume operations. There are over 3 lakh people in Goa dependent on this industry and have been suffering on account of closure in mining operations.”
Bicholim mining workers president Nilesh Karbotkar said they were fully dependent on the amendment to the MMDR Act.
“We must get justice and both, the State and Centre, must resolve the issue. If mining activities are delayed, the government must try to make some provision for mining workers and truck owners and other mining dependents to offer them some relief till there is resumption in mining activity,” Karbotkar said.
