Porvorim: Union minister Suresh Prabhu on Tuesday said that absence of mining industry has not only damaged the fiscal health of the state, but also destroyed the fabric of social life of its dependants which has reflected on their daughters’ marriages, child’s education and lifestyle in the mining belt.

Addressing a meeting in Porvorim, as part of campaigning for party’s North Goa Lok Sabha candidate and Union Minister of State for Ayush (independent charge) Shripad Naik, Prabhu stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was committed to resolving the mining issue in Goa.

He said mining and tourism are the backbone of Goa, adding, next dispensation at the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi will look into “all possible aspects” to restart mining in the state.

He said that “Goa’s mining issue is the party’s agenda and I am fully aware of the issue. I do not want to tell on the eve of election what could be the solution. I say the issue will be resolved as early as possible after the election.”

He said the solution could be legal, administrative or legislative, adding, BJP will look into all possible aspects along with the state government. He said  .

Shripad Naik said that his work in the district will serve as a testimony to his contribution as MP and that whatever he is today was due to unflinching support of his voters.

Deputy speaker Michael Lobo, BJP women’s wing chief Kunda Chodankar, general secretary, Damu Naik, Mahanand Asnodkar, Guru Pawaskar, Sulochana Sawant were present among others.