the goan I network
PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday gave an assurance on the floor of the House that the government was trying its best to resume mining activity in the state, and that mining activity could possibly resume by the coming October.
The CM was responding to a query raised by Poriem MLA Pratapsingh Rane who insisted that the government make clear what concrete steps it was taking to resume mining in the state.
“I understand your concern about mining, and as the CM, it is very close to my heart,” said Sawant. “We’ve been four times to Delhi for meetings on mining solutions. I’m asking for a little more time to reveal to the House what was discussed during the meetings and what decision we have arrived at,” he said, adding that he would be able to make it clear by the end of the monsoon assembly session.
“We will have a follow-up meeting this week. The Mines Officer has gone to Delhi today,” he said. Sawant added the Mines Department had been given instructions to survey what could be done about those from the mining
industry who have been sent home. He stated that the e-auctioning of ore and the dump auctioning too would soon start.
Speaking on what the actual solution would be, Sawant maintained an air of mystery saying that the matter was sub-judice, and that the government would seek “either a legislative or judicial solution.”
He said only, “At least by October, I hope that mining activities will restart. I am aware that truck drivers and machinery owners need their jobs. I know that 40,000 people are affected. We are trying to get mining to resume as soon as people.”
