The Cabinet Advisory Committee (CAC) on Wednesday resolved to recommend to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar the filing of a review petition before the Supreme Court in the mining lease renewal matter, subject to legal advice from the Attorney General of India.
The CAC also decided to recommend a further extension to the debt relief scheme and financial assistance scheme for mining dependents in the State.
In a bid to assess the exact loss and economic impact on those dependent on mining, the CAC has also proposed formation of committees under the chairmanship of MLAs from the mining belt.
Addressing media persons after the CAC meeting, PWD Minister Ramkrishna Dhavalikar said it is of the view that State should go for a review petition in the SC after seeking legal opinion either from the Attorney General of India or a person of that rank.
“Through Chief Secretary, we will communicate our recommendation to Chief Minister for final approval,” he said.
Dhavalikar said that he and Sardesai have already spoken to the Chief Minister telephonically on the issue. “Chief Minister’s approval will come by tonight (Wednesday night),” he stated.
“We will also ask the banks to go slow on loan recovery from the loan borrowers,” he added.
Sardesai ruled out the possibility of a law and order situation in the State due to the ban, stating that the government is with the people and it is not a “State made problem”.
“From March 16, State will be going through one of its biggest crisis. It is not the Goa government or Central government that made the problem but the situation has arisen due to the Supreme Court verdict. We expect the people to cooperate as it is not a State made problem,” the TCP Minister said.
He said that a review petition will give some respite to the State and the people dependent on the business. “Attorney General or someone of his rank needs to convince the SC that the implementation of the order cannot happen in one go and the economic crisis that is going to arise also needs to be put on record,” Sardesai said.
Questioned on the reason for the delay in taking such decision, the CAC members said, “Everyone is aware about the current situation in the State but even then it is better late than never.”
D’Souza said that the committee has proposed that the debt relief scheme, financial package scheme be extended. “But for that, we will have to undertake the assessment,” he added.
