the goan I network
PANAJI
The Goa Forward Party President and TCP minister Vijai Sardesai on Thursday assured a delegation of mining-dependent people that he and his party would undertake every effort to resume mining in the state.
“Ordinance is the only solution for the mining problem in the state of Goa. I will put up the issue with central minister Suresh Prabhu requesting his intervention when I go to Delhi on October 27,” said Sardesai after meeting a delegation of the Goa Mining People’s Front led by Puti Gaonkar.
The GMPF delegation met Sardesai after the inaugural function of the 21st national conference of the Maharashtra Society of Agricultural Economics.
Goa Forward party vice-presidents Santosh Kumar Sawant and Durgadas Kamat were also present on the occasion.
The delegation urged that Sardesai to personally intervene in the matter and take up the issue with the Centre so that a solution can be made available as soon as possible.
Puti Gaonkar briefed Sardesai on how the issue has been dragging for so long due to which lakhs of people dependent on this industry have been left in the lurch.
He said that an ordinance in Parliament is a solution to the impending crisis on this industry which has been a driver of the state’s economy.
Gaonkar said that besides those who are directly employed with the mining companies, others who are into allied businesses are also suffering.
“The entire economy in the mining belt has come to a standstill,” Gaonkar stated.
After listening to the grievances of the mining-dependent people, Sardesai assured to take a personal interest and also take up the matter in Delhi during his visit.
“I will be going to Delhi to meet Union Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu and will seek his intervention in the matter. If required, I will call the mining-dependents to Delhi,” he said.
Sardesai recalled that he was the first cabinet minister who supported the ordinance as a solution to resume the mining industry in the state.
“If you want a solution, then we have to move an ordinance in Parliament,” he said.
The minister said that the State government will have to take the step for the resumption of mining activity. “We assure the people that we are with them,” he said.
Mayem constituency’s leader and the party’s vice-president Santosh Kumar Sawant said that the GFP is with the people and will not rest until the issue is taken to its logical conclusion.
“I live in the mining belt where I have seen how the people are suffering. The central government will have to provide a solution to the crisis at any cost, that too as soon as possible,” he said.
Hopeful of Centre’s intervention: GMPF
PONDA: The Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF) is hopeful that TCP Minister and Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai will put forth their cause before the Centre, regarding their demand for resumption of mining activity.
“We met TCP Minister and Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai on Thursday and he assured to help us in this matter. He will speak to Union Minister Suresh Prabhu and may also convene a joint meeting with us. We are hopeful that something positive should happpen,” Puti Gaonkar, leader of the Goa Mining People’s Front.
“Every business has been impacted due to closure of mining. We want it to resume at the earliest. This will help all business sectors in the State,” Gaonkar added.
