TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar Thursday warned that the government will not tolerate violence during protests, sending a strong message to people planning to agitate and demand resumption of mining in the State.
Addressing the State on the 67th Independence Day outside the Old Secretariat in the capital Thursday, Parrikar promised that he would wipe out illicit activities such as prostitution and drugs from Goa and re-assured that dance bars would not be allowed to operate.
Parrikar also said that people involved in illegal mining will face action and also assured that regularization of legal mines is being taken up.
“No violence would be tolerated in the name of agitation while demanding resumption of mining. Government has taken care of common people despite mining revenue slump,” he said in his speech after hoisting the national flag. Parrikar’s pronouncement comes in the background of the week-long bandh threat by Goa Mining People’s Front in Goa’s mining belt from August 21.
Though the chief minister conceded that government has been facing difficulties in generating revenue due to the suspension of mining activity following the Supreme Court order last year, he said that the BJP-led coalition had taken enough care by way of implementing developmental projects and schemes for the people.
“Despite the mining ban, government will collect Rs 300-400 crore revenue from the mining industry by way of various duties including stamp duty on the leases. Under the scheme for people displaced from mining jobs, 5,051 truck owners and 255 unemployed people have availed financial benefit till date,” he said.
Speaking about tourism, he said that it plays a significant role for socio-economic development but, alleged that certain factors are attempting to tarnish Goa’s clean image.
“Prostitution and drugs has been affecting Goa’s image. I assure that my government will weed out these illicit activities,” he assured, adding that government will not allow dance bars in Goa.
It may be recalled that BJP spokesperson Wilfred Mesquita had a week ago courted controversy by claiming there was nothing wrong with dance bars. The opposition Congress had slammed the government at a press conference for promoting dance bars, drugs and casinos. Parrikar, who till now was tight-lipped on Mesquita’s remark, finally broke his silence in the Independence Day message.
The chief minister also reiterated government’s recent announcements in various sectors such as agriculture, education and health among others. As he read out his speech, Parrikar said that his government is focusing on three crucial issues ~ garbage, development and employment.
“Garbage and plastic has been a huge menace. All the highways, roads, urban and rural areas will be garbage and plastic free by next year,” he said in yet another assurance.
While stressing on self employment, he said the financial assistance under Chief Minister Rojgar Yojana has been enhanced and simplified, and that under Minimum employment assurance scheme new investments will be encouraged. “Have trust in me, I will give you your Goa of dreams,” he said while concluding his speech.
Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General of Police Dr OP Mishra was awarded the chief minister’s gold medal.
