the goan I network
PANAJI
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has sought to allay the fears of those likely to be affected by the order of the Supreme Court on mining assuring that no one will be unemployed.
“We will see that no one will be unemployed. I cannot guarantee that the same mine owner will employ them, but we will see that people stay engaged. We will work to ensure that people’s jobs and businesses are not impacted,” Parrikar assured.
“Support does not mean dole. I said that work will be ensured. Disruption, if it happens, will be for a month or two. You will get the details in the assembly session,” Parrikar said.
“Because of the judgement Goa is facing economic problems. Now all stakeholders, including judiciary will have to take into consideration [the] economic trajectory. It is not possible for governments to suddenly disrupt the economic trajectory. Luckily, because of the mining ban in 2012, we had absorbed (the impact) somewhat and therefore this time, because the percentage is less, we can absorb,” Parrikar said.
Parrikar reiterated that the situation on the mining front was “under control” and that the situation at least till the month of October was taken care of, even as he said that the effect of the mining shutdown on state revenue was almost zero.
“It (SC order) does not have any financial implication, as far as the state economy is concerned. Some people are saying that development works will be stopped. It is a very small amount, (from total revenue collection of) Rs 10,000 crore, mines (revenue) was about Rs 200 crore. I know where to get Rs 200 crore revenue from. Therefore development work will not stop because of mining revenue. Our effort is also that, people involved in mining as beneficiaries, should not be rendered jobless. We are concerned about that too. And whatever solution is available, we will put in place,” Parrikar said.
Parrikar was speaking to reporters after a meeting with all MLAs and ministers on the mining issue which also saw the presence of State Advocate General Atmaram Nadkarni. Parrikar said he told the MLAs his “personal opinion” about how to go about the issue, but that a final solution will be made public only once a decision is taken.
Several MLAs, most notably Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral had sought that the State government file a review petition before the Supreme Court.
At the meeting, the MLAs sought the immediate resumption of mining and a minimum disruption, which Parrikar has said is also what the government is planning to accomplish.
