PORVORIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday assured the State Assembly that the Dabolim Airport will not be shut down and that efforts will be made to revive the airlines already operating there.
Speaking during the discussion on demands for the School Education, Higher Education, Mines, and Aviation Departments, he said, “Dabolim Airport is not to be closed and will not be closed. It is true that two airlines have shifted their operations. They have said that the User Development Fee (UDF) at Dabolim Airport is high and should be reduced. However, I will meet the Aviation Minister and urge him to reduce the UDF at Dabolim and ensure that new airlines start their services from Manohar International Airport.” He pointed out that around 1,900 Goans, primarily from Pernem, Bardez, and Bicholim talukas, have been recruited at Manohar International Airport.
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Speaking on mining, he said, “Mining has started in the State. Nine mining leases were auctioned. One has started, one will get environmental clearance soon. The remaining leases will be auctioned.” He mentioned that to date, the government has earned Rs 163 crore from auction premiums and expects to earn approximately Rs 500 crore. Regarding the green cess, he said the matter is currently in court.
The Chief Minister noted that the land for the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) has not yet been finalised, but the government will provide the necessary land. “The decision on the location of the land will be made by a committee,” he said.
He noted that 1,136 government posts reserved for Scheduled Tribes are vacant. However, he added that sometimes tribal candidates are not available for these seats. “However, now it has been entrusted to the Staff Selection Commission, and the vacant posts are likely to be filled within a month,” he said.
