Riddhi Gaunekar
I being born and brought up in mining belt area and was always curious and fascinated by the idea of ore extraction from deep earth as a youngster. As I completed my higher education, I got an opportunity to fulfil my dreams and was privileged to join Mining Engineering; the only discipline in Goa which was started due to the great efforts and initiatives taken by a renowned mining company in association with Goa Government. It was first time in Goa that a degree course in mining was started in 75 years old mining industry. Later I got a chance to serve my family and my Goa through mining industry.
But now I no more have my job! 16 March, 2018 was an unfortunate day for all the mines in Goa which was supporting the livelihood of more than 3 lakhs people. This failed governance system has shattered the career of thousands of young talents in the state. Whether anyone in Goa can create such huge job opportunities for graduates?
India is underlined as a ‘Nation of Young Youth’. If employed youth are made unemployed for no fault of theirs than India should be re-underlined as ‘Nation of Unemployed Youth’. Has the government even prepared for such huge employment loss?? Why our jobs are brought at stake?
Half of my village population has lost their livelihood due to mining ban. Do these mining dependants and their families have no right to survive? Today the state boasts of one of the best football academy in the country. Such political turmoil has ruined the dreams of many young footballers.
The government at the Centre came into power assuring “acche din” to all people. Slogans of ‘Make in India’, ‘Skill in India’ touched our hearts. But 16 March was heartbreak for all youths like me. These are surely not the “acche din”!
No Government, no court, no mining directorate is talking about returning the jobs to workers and their dependants. There is total silence in this arena. The crises are real and the Goan mining economy should resume at the earliest within the legal framework & laws of land. The process should have started up skilfully on the February 7 itself but more than 4 weeks have passed post ban. Why no action has been initiated till now? Is this government really “the government for the people’’?
