Team Herald
PANJIM: The BJP has sought Rs 1,300 crore financial assistance, including Rs 300 crore towards rehabilitation and welfare of the people affected by mining closure from the Centre. BJP has also conceded that revenue due to the mining ban has been largely affected and that the Tourism sector also is on a decline.
In its recommendation to the XV Finance Commission, BJP led by its newly elected President Sadanand Shet Tanawade sought revenue package in sectors including mining, tourism, zilla panchayats, and agriculture and for solid waste management plan.
In the Mining sector, BJP stated that the government has been making all efforts in resumption of mining activities in the State. In addition various schemes have been implemented by the State Government for the Welfare of Mining Affected people. Hence it has requested that necessary steps may be taken to resume mining activities to reduce the unemployment rate and also to contribute towards the State exchequer. “Also it is proposed that an amount of Rs 300 crore may be sanctioned for the State towards the implementation of activities for the Welfare of Mining Affected people till the mining operations are resumed in the State,” the memorandum stated.
BJP explained to the Finance Commission that the decision on mining closure had an enormous socio-economic impact as Goan economy was highly dependent on mining. “More than 60,000 were employed directly. There were other mining dependents, such as trucks owners, machinery owners, barge owners, port. After mining in Goa came to a halt, the economy has been affected, workers are suffering and there is no income. Mining sector, which contributed heavily to the total non-tax revenue of the State in 2010-11, now accounts for only a negligible share in the non-tax revenue of the State. The closure of mining activities has also contributed to large scale unemployment,” it said insisting on the need for the financial package to uplift the economy and the financial position of people affected due to mining ban.
On the Tourism front, the ruling party has stated that an amount of Rs 250 crore may be allocated to undertake activities to boost this industry in the State.
“In order to boost the tourism industry in the State, various efforts are being made such as beautification and upgradation of infrastructural facilities at various touristic spots in the State. Also efforts are being made to improve the safety and security of the tourists visiting the State to make the State more tourist-friendly. However, the initiatives undertaken by the Government need additional funds. More efforts are needed to promote tourism on global scale for which huge investment is required. Therefore, an amount of Rs 250 crore may be allocated to undertake activities which shall boost the tourism industry in the State,” the memorandum said further.
For the empowerment of zilla panchayats, the BJP has explained that the main source of income which comes from grants from the State Government for functioning developmental works and administrative expenses, etc; is insufficient to undertake developmental works in the villages. Hence more powers as specified in the Act, may be devolved to the Zilla Panchayats and an amount of Rs 200 crore to two Zilla Panchayats may be allocated to undertake developmental activities under increased allocation of powers.
For agriculture, it has sought Rs 250 crore and Rs 300 crore for setting up new waste management plants in Goa. “Therefore, keeping in view the mining crisis, decline in tourism and in order to empower Zilla Panchayats and to boost agriculture and waste management disposals, we demand that an immediate financial assistance of Rs 1300 crore to the State of Goa may kindly be favorably considered for the current financial year,” the BJP said.
