the goan I network
PONDA
Claiming the State government has done little to provide assurances to mining dependents as part of its efforts to resume mining activity, the Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF) has decided to stage a morcha at the Secretariat on March 14.
Addressing a news conference in Ponda on Saturday, GMPF Convenor Puti Gaonkar said they would request the chief secretary to act towards the resumption of mining.
“We will first assemble at Azad Maidan in Panaji on March 14 and then proceed towards the Secretariat. Our morcha will be peaceful. If the police stops us from proceeding towards the secretariat, our delegation will meet the chief secretary and will submit a memorandum to him,” said Gaonkar.
He claimed that that the State government, in its efforts to resume mining, has made no guarantees that mining dependents, be it trucks, workers or others, will get some work.
“Will our trucks be engaged in mining activity and will our workers and their salaries be protected,” asked Gaonkar, while expressing fears that trucks of mining dependents may not be engaged and workers may not get justice.
“Though the resolution was passed in the Goa Assembly urging Parliament to amend the Goa, Daman and Diu Mining Concessions (Abolition and Declaration as Mining Leases) Act, 1987 and MMDR Act, 1957 for resumption of iron ore mining, nothing was done in that regard,” said Gaonkar.
According Goankar, when the MMDR Act was passed in 1987, the concession year was
put as 1957.
“If this is replaced with the year 1987, then mining can continue till 2037,” said Gaonkar.
“This resolution should be placed before the Supreme Court and the government should file an affidavit in this regard. If the prime minister and State government wishes to restart mining through the legal framework, they should opt for all these possibilities and persuade the court.”
Meanwhile, the All Goa Machinery Owners Association has demanded a package to the mining dependents till the resumption of mining activity.
GMPF members Mahesh Gauns, Sandip Parab, Suresh Desai and others were also present at the news conference.
