India is a country of masses and we have a Constitution which is benevolent taking care of each and every citizen. Constitution mandates its fruits should reach the masses.
But by and large this is not the case in India. Those who are rich become richer and those who are poor became poorer. This is contrary to the doctrine of the Constitution.
Sometimes when one sees the highest standard of living of the rich people in India having grand mansions, very costly cars and other precious possessions, it appears only those who loot the poor can live such a luxurious life and have precious assets which portray selfishness as their strength and silence of the poor as their right to amass more and more.
This brings us to the conclusion of the focal point of the loot of the mining industry when people about four decades ago did not even know how clandestinely mining was carried on by mining barons for their own benefits undermining the interests of the locals. To have an assessment of those times and even of recent times one had to pass through those areas may be in the South or in the North. Supreme Court banning mining in Goa brought justice to the environment, nature and ecology. In no way the so-called mine owners have been affected and very interestingly mines belong to the people of Goa. Ban on mining has given rise to another sensitive and humane problem “those dependent on mining for their daily bread are affected”. It is here the Government of Goa has to give a timely stitch to save this vulnerable society.
A recent announcement by the Power Minister of 11% increase in the electricity tariff for which the Health Minister had threatened a protest if tariff hike was not withdrawn as people are suffering due to ban on mining. It is now decided those using 200 units per month will be affected by paying Rs 2.65 per unit above 200 units. We, the people of Goa have to give a thought it is now electricity after sometime it may be water or later all other utilities and all services. Following the loss of revenue due to ban on mining the buck will be passed on to the consumers with the elected legislators sharing no burden at all. Is this fair?
In September 2016, King Salman bin Aziz of Saudi Arabia signed a decree to offset the revenue from falling oil prices which sank to a low of $28 a barrel by which ministers and high ranking government officials had their salaries reduced by 20% and housing and car allowances for members of advisory council cut by 15%. The move received no opposition from any quarter. Have we ever heard in our country any government since Independence sacrificing their emoluments for the sake of the nation?
