Team Herald
PORVORIM: In a step towards resumption of mining activity, the Goa government has decided to file a review writ petition on the Supreme Court’s February 7, 2018 judgement to cancel 88 mining leases renewed by the government in 2014-15.
Speaking in the House on the demands, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said, “Government should have filed a review writ petition immediately when the judgment had come. However, the government has decided to file a review writ petition now against the judgment as well as take legislative
measures to resume mining in the State at the earliest.”
He further said that the State government is in constant talks with the central leadership inorder to convince them to take a political decision. The CM said, “We have had one meeting in this regard with the Central leadership and as I am informed that we will have another meeting before the end of the session and convince our leadership for a political decision.”
Stating that the government will tender the 21st e-auction by August 22 this year, the Chief Minister asserted that mining activities will resume by October this year. He said, “The 21st e-auction for the 5 million tonnes will be held by August 22 and by October we will have the resumption of mining activities. By October, transportation and work at jetties will resume and mining workers will be able to get jobs. I request the mining companies not to retrench any employee and bear with them for another few months until mining activities resume.”
Sawant further stated that by October this year the government will ensure that environment clearances for mining dumps are received and the transportation of these dumps is resumed.
Announcing a relief scheme for mining employees retrenched since March 2018, the Chief Minister informed the House that a monetary relief package is being contemplated wherein the employees will receive financial assistance on a monthly basis. “All the employees who have been retrenched will have to be re-employed by the mining companies and only then the government will cooperate with them. On the other hand, to financially help those who have been retrenched since March 2018, the government will provide a relief package under which around 1500 employees will receive a minimum of Rs 5,000 per month,” he added.
The Chief Minister also announced to provide tax exemption to vehicle owners on renewal of permit licence between March 2018 and October 2019, when mining is expected to resume.
Praising former chief minister late Manohar Parrikar for launching the scheme for mining workers and truck owners, Sawant informed the House that 90 per cent of the truck owners benefitted from the one time settlement scheme.
He further said that the Iron Ore Mining Workers Welfare Fund as well as the District Mineral Fund will be utilised to plan welfare activities for the mining affected areas and the employees.
