Parrikar says loss from mining ban is Rs 1500 cr, calls for resumption
TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: The all-party Goa delegation led by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar met Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Wednesday and submitted a memorandum asking for special status for the State, arguing that large scale migration “is diluting Goan identity” apart from radically altering the demography.
The memorandum also highlighted the plight of Goans in acquiring housing. The memorandum said that due to large-scale purchase of land by outsiders, land rates have skyrocketed and “local Goans are not able to afford a roof over their heads.”
According to the memorandum, the apprehension is that by 2021 the migrant population will outnumber Goans. “The 2001 census estimates that Konkani speakers form only 51% of the total population. Konkani and Marathi speakers together form two-thirds of the population. In other words, one-third of the population is of immigrants,” it warns.
According to the memorandum, the increase in population of the State from around 5.8 lakh at the time of integration of Goa to 15 lakh in 2012 is primarily attributed to migration.
The memorandum also asked for a Rs 3000 crore mining rehabilitation package for people affected by suspension of mining, a special package for the banking sector including Co-operative sector for deferment of loan installment by 18 month period, relaxation in NPA norms, waiver of penal interest and one time settlement scheme. It also wanted a coordinated effort by Union and state Governments in Supreme Court to ensure that mining begins.
A press communiqué issued here states that the chief minister spoke about the uniqueness of Goa and argued that the State was not seeking special status for financial benefits, but to preserve and protect its unique identity. “He submitted that only about 8 % of land mass of Goa is available for habitation and other activities,” the communiqué says adding that he also emphasized on the need to protect the unique Goan identity by providing constitutional protection to control and regulate sale and transfer of land to non-Goans including foreigners.
On the mining issue, the chief minister claimed that 20 per cent of GSDP of Goa came from mining sector and the ban on mining had severely affected the economy, resulting in a loss of Rs 1500 crore during the year on account of royalty/VAT.
He also argued that the banking sector has an exposure of around Rs 1650 crore which includes Rs 350 crore of co-operative banks and that there was a loss of livelihood to more than one lakh people, and consequently there was economic and social unrest.
