Handling of dumps to be part of Mining Policy 2012
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: After constant denials, Goa government has finally clarified that handling of the mining dumps is part of State Mining Policy 2012.
Responding to the 28 amendments made to the Governor’s speech by the Opposition, Urban Development Minister Francis D’Souza told Goa Assembly that the government was in the process of formulating mining policy, which includes provision for clearing mining dumps.
He clarified that no arbitrary transfer of mining lease has taken place during their tenure, except for the one, the process for which, had
begun during the former Congress government’s regime.
“We have just approved the transfer. The transfer was not from one party to other but it was from one family member to another,” the Minister informed on the Floor of the House at the end of long debate on the Governor’s speech Friday.
The Minister said that there has been no loss of revenue in the mining, due to stoppage of truck movement during monsoon.
D’Souza also told the legislative assembly that within next six months, the entire garbage along the national highways would be cleared off. He said that in the first phase, the highway along Mapusa to Panjim has been cleared.
“Government will make sure that the garbage, would not only be lifted but disposed and treated,” he said.
Responding to the Leader of Opposition allegation that even after completion of 100 days in power none of the schemes were implemented, D’Souza said that government has already notified several schemes, while few are also being implemented.
“The schemes like Ladli Laxmi, increase in DSSR, slashing petrol prices, hike in Kala Sanman award, setting up of three chairs at Goa University, are amongst few proposals which are implemented,” he said adding ‘government is in the process of formulating State tourism policy’.
The government has urged people not to panic over non availability of Ladli Laxmi Scheme forms, as they would be made available to all.
“These are teething problems and every scheme is bound to have it. It will take at least six months time to clear it. But everybody, including those whose marriages was registered after April 1 are eligible for the scheme,” the minister said responding to the worry raised by Rane that forms are not available to people.
Speaking about the job recruitments, D’Souza said that all the recruitments which were done following legal procedure would be honoured.