Due to insufficient information regarding barges, a meetingcalled by the Committee, which has been formed by the government, has been adjourned. The committee was formed to assess theloss to the industries following the closure of mines in the state.
The Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had announced acommittee under the chairmanship of the Power Minister Milind Naik to study theimpact of the closure of mines in the state on barge industries. In the statethere are around 300 barges which are belonging to non-exporters where around5000 crew members are appointed. While around 60 barges are belonging toexporters where around 1000 people are employed have to pay around 360 crore ofloan and an interest of 4-5 crore payable to different banks
On Thursday , the committee meet for the second time whichwas preside by Power Minister Milind Naik, Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral alongwith members of Goa Barge Owners Association and United Bargemen Association ofGoa who were also present.
Speaking to The Goan, Chairman of the committee and PowerMinister Milind Naik said “We have adjourned meeting as both association i.e.Goa Barge Owners Association and United Bargemen association of goa needmore time to compile information and submit”.
“[The] Next meeting will be held on 20th Dec where theassociations have to submit over all details which will be put forward beforeChief Minister who later decide on how relief could be given to the affectedpeople” add Naik.
Atul Jadhav, president of Goa Barge Owners Association said“we need more to time to compile exact details about insurances, loans,interest, and losses. We want government to pay our interest to bank as minesare close and we do not have any income”.
He further added that “ till date around 20 “ 25 barges havemoved out of state due to closure of mines while one of barge owner havealready sold his two barges to a Gujarat party”.
