MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday told the Goa Legislative Assembly that the government cannot make it “mandatory” but maintained that previous workers shall get "preference" when the new mining companies hire staff.
Sawant also said that nine iron ore mining blocks have already been successfully auctioned and mining activity in the State is expected to start this year as successful bidders were in the process of obtaining various approvals to start mining operations.
He also said that there was no lease agreement signed at present but the successful bidders will sign the agreement after getting all necessary approvals.
“We cannot make hiring of previous workers mandatory but we have clearly said they have to be given preference. We have made a provision in the tender document stating that the successful bidder shall give preference in employment to local residents at all levels of operation, subject to such residents are qualified and suitable for employment,” said Sawant, who is also the mining minister.
The CM was responding to Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai during the Question Hour who wanted to know the government’s stand vis-Ã -vis the continuity of jobs to workers who were previously employed with the mining company.
Sardesai said Sesa Goa had laid off some workers and wanted to know what steps the government had taken to save the jobs of the workers.
The CM informed that Sesa Goa had laid off 300 workers and the local MLAs had urged the workers to join back so that the continuity would be maintained.
“But the union made several demands; 93 workers joined back and 208 refused to join,” he said.
The Fatorda MLA said the government should come out with a policy to make it mandatory for companies to take back previous workers.
Sawant also informed that maximum extracted ore has already been auctioned by the government.
“However, the ore and dumps that are presently in the lease areas will remain with the companies,” he said.
