Team Herald
PANJIM: The State government delegation that went to Delhi seeking a solution to the mining crisis, failed to get an immediate respite, and has left it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to work out a solution at the earliest. The delegation has proposed that if not a review petition, Centre should promulgate an ordinance giving life to leases or set up a government corporation to operate mines.
The seven-member delegation led by Minister Ramakrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar met Nripendra Misra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and submitted various documents like court judgments, impact on State economy, impact on livelihood of 1.5 lakh population dependent on the industry and growing unemployment.
Speaking to Herald, Lok Sabha MP Narendra Sawaikar said the State and Centre together are moving in the right direction to work out solution to the mining crisis. “We are quite hopeful and positive towards resumption of activities at the earliest,” he said.
Refusing to disclose details, Sawaikar said there are various options that are discussed that could be executed following the Court order. “Working out solution through Court is one such option,” he said.
When contacted, MLA Nilesh Cabral said the delegation submitted documents including the revenue loss and economic impact to the PMO. “Principal Secretary has said that he will put up a detailed note before the Prime Minister. Also, if required, appointment will be fixed with the Prime Minister once he is back from his foreign tour,” Cabral said.
The MLA said the delegation has stressed upon filing an immediate review petition in the Supreme Court asking a modification of its order and allow mining operations for a certain period. “We have also requested for an ordinance, if review petition does not work out,” he said.
The ordinance is to amend the Goa Daman and Diu Mining Concession (Abolition and Declaration as Mining Leases), Act 1987, giving life to the leases till 2037.
Cabral said that delegation is also in favour of setting up a Corporation to run the mines. “We have placed all the options before them. Now it is for the Prime Minister to take the decision,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Goa Forward Party (GFP) President and Minister Vijai Sardesai said, “I feel that the job of convincing the powers in Delhi lies with our senior partners in alliance government because of which we are better placed as they are also in power in Centre,” Sardesai said referring to the BJP.
Besides Sawaikar and Cabral, others who were part of the delegation were Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar, Speaker Dr Pramod Sawant, and MLA Ganesh Gaonkar, who returned on Friday.
