Team Herald
VASCO: South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar on Wednesday claimed that the State as well as Central governments have been putting all efforts in trying to find a solution to the mining issue and hopefully by September-October when the mining season resumes in State, the issue would be sorted out and a solution would be worked out.
He was speaking to reporters after inaugurating newly developed public park (funded under MPLAD) at Housing Board colony in Baina.
“Due to the order of Supreme Court which was passed on February 7, 2018, the State as well as its people has been facing such situation. Since it is the order of SC, both the State and Central governments are trying to find out a solution where SC order can be respected and at the same time solution could be worked out. Also, keeping in mind the importance of early resumption of mining, all sorts of efforts are put in by the State and Centre. We are also following up the issue with the Union minister and I am confident that by September-October, when the mining season resumes, the issue will be sorted out and a solution would be worked out,” Sawaikar said.
He said that the BJP leadership in Delhi has already been briefed about the situation in Goa and their help is being sought to resolve the issue. “We had discussions with the central leadership. We even had discussions with ministers and secretaries concerned; briefed them about entire issue. They are well aware of the situation in State and surely a solution would be worked out,” Sawaikar maintained.
On retrenchment of employees by mining companies and even barge owners, Sawaikar said, “The mining companies should take into consideration that the State as well as its people supported them and hence they should not take harsh step by retrenching employees. Around 1.5 lakh people would be affected because of many adverse decisions taken by the mining companies and hence I would urge them not to retrench employees.”
