The Navhind Times Goa News
NT NETWORK
PANAJI
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday said that a roadmap for the future of Goa’s mining sector will be announced during the forthcoming budget session of the state legislative assembly, which will commence from February 19.
Asserting that the Supreme Court verdict on mining leases will not have any economic impact on the state, he said that currently the contribution from mining is hardly Rs 200 crore.
He said that those dependent on the mining industry for their livelihood should not worry as the government would come out with a solution soon.
Speaking to media persons after a cabinet meeting, Parrikar said that he will ensure that all people whose livelihood depends on mining business are not disturbed.
Parrikar said, “I assure that the government will ensure that everyone stays employed, not for the greed but for the need at least.”
He also clarified that no new schemes giving out doles would be introduced for the mining dependants.
“I have taken responsibility to resolve the mining issue, hence no one should worry about it. I will see that nothing will go wrong, and I can bet on it. There is nothing to worry about at least for the next seven months,” Parrikar added, assuring that the impact of the SC verdict on the state would not come in the way of developmental works.
Parrikar maintained that legal ways and methodology are being explored post-SC verdict, adding that he has heard views of all concerned MLAs and will factor in all viewpoints before coming out with a roadmap on mining operations.
“Nothing has been decided on mining so far. After March 15, we will get seven months, which will be off season for mining. So no one should worry about mining,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief Minister held a meeting with the MLAs from the mining belt on Wednesday at the Secretariat. The meeting was attended by Opposition leader Chandrakant Kavlekar, senior Congressman Pratapsing Rane, MGP legislator Deepak Pauskar, BJP MLA Nilesh Cabral besides South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar and additional solicitor-general of India Atmaram Nadkarni.
At the meeting, the MLAs raised concerns about the livelihood of the people.
Sources said the first round of the meeting on dealing with the crisis in the mining industry remained inconclusive, even as the government has considered going for auctioning of leases.
The second leg of the meeting will be held on February 24.
Speaking at the meeting, Nadkarni opined that the government should go for auction of leases, as it is the best option left before the state to ensure smooth functioning of the sector.
“I have given my opinion to the government to go for auction of leases as per the MMDR Act,” Nadkarni said after the meeting.
Pauskar confirmed that the government is considering auction as the option for granting leases.
However, both BJP and Congress MLAs seem not in the favour of auction.
“The Chief Minister is of opinion that the government should go for auction. We would set certain conditions, wherein even the outsider bidding for mines in Goa will have to ensure employment for locals,” the Sanvordem MLA added.
