MARGAO
Exuding confidence that a solution to the mining crisis is on the anvil after his meeting with Central leaders and legal opinions received from experts, TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai has said the government is equipped with certain powers to start mining which will would give big relief to the people depending on the activity.
He, however, sent a message loud and clear to certain mining companies that they cannot hold the government hostage on the mining issue, even as he warned them on retrenching workers. The government will not hesitate to take action against these companies if mining resumes either through the court order or some mechanism being contemplated by the government, he added.
He made a particular reference to Chowgule Mining. He demanded to know whether such companies have no social responsibility in mind given the fact it has been in the mining business for years.
“This mining company seems to have no patience and they have retrenched their workers. If mining starts tomorrow, the government may even think of letting the villagers do mining or the government through its corporation may carry out the activity or even auction the same. We will teach these companies a lesson,” he said.
He said the government is giving mining areas the most favoured constituency status. “During the visit of GFP ministers to Sanvordem, we had sanctioned important works. Government should think out of the box and come out with a drastic decision to give special relief to these people”.
