the goan I network
VASCO
Stating that the State government was taking all steps to resume mining activity in the State, Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho on Thursday fully backed the Citizens Amendment Act (CAA) and said there was no need to protest on the roads and destroy property.
Godinho was speaking during Liberation Day celebrations at Tilak Maidan, after unfurling the national flag.
“Goa government is taking all steps and exploring all possibilities to resume mining in the State. Goa’s economy is down and we are going through a financial crisis, which we must admit. Mining has to restart again and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has made all efforts. The matter came up in the Supreme Court and will be coming up again in January.
“If we do not get relief by January, we may have to look for other legal options. Mining has stopped because of a court orders and we are looking for a relief and once mining starts, everyone will be a winner,” said Godinho.
Godinho said it is the moral responsibility of the State to enforce the amended Motor Vehicles Act and said it would be enforced sometime in mid-January once road repair works are completed.
“The fine structure will be decided after a cabinet meeting in January,” said Godinho,
Speaking on the Citizens Amendment Act, which has sparked off protests across the country, Godinho said there were objections to any progressive steps taken by the government.
“I personally know some families who are not citizens of any country and have come back to India after being persecuted in neighbouring countries. This will help them and their children’s future.”
“It is a right decision by the central government and only thing is there needs to be more explanation on this act. Whatever infirmities are there in CAA will be adequately covered up when the rules are framed and this is one reason why even the Supreme Court has not interfered because rules are yet to be framed. There is no cause of fear for anyone,” said Godinho.
“There is no need to protest on roads and destroy govt property. No Indian citizen has to worry about CAA. Even people from the minority religions don’t have to worry because this will not affect them as they are citizens by birth and are already Indians.”
