BICHOLIM: A group of mining workers on Monday met Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant after they were communicated by a mining company that they would be retrenched from work after paying a month’s package.
Around 50 workers met the Chief Minister at Ravindra Bhavan and sought to know the current mining status. They also sought to know as to when the government would restart mining in the State. The Chief Minister assured the workers that he would hold a meeting with the company and resolve the matter.
“On April 26, we were called by the company and were told that the company has decided to retrench the workers as there is no work,” a worker informed the CM and added that “They have informed us that they would give us 30-day scheme and send us home. This is like an attack on us as the company has reaped profits from 2012 to 2015 and exported lot of ore. This is an injustice on us as we are treated like animals.”
The workers questioned the CM and reminded that he had promised that mining would begin by September. The workers demanded that the CM should intervene and come out with a solution.
The chief minister tried to pacify the workers and informed that the election code of conduct is in force and he cannot directly make any statement with regards to mining.
The CM clarified that he has not asked any company to give VRS to mining workers as there is such rumour doing the rounds in the mining belt. “I have met some mine owners and have communicated to them that till September we are sure to come up with some solution. I have already requested them against retrenching the workers. I will personally have another meeting with the mine owners and resolve the issue,” Sawant informed.
He informed that the mining matter is in the Supreme Court and government cannot directly restart mining with a notification.
“We have demanded that the leases be given to the mine owners in the interest of those who are working in the company,” the CM said and urged the workers to be patient.
