PANJIM: Goenchi Mati Movement has called for implementing some simple Constitutional principles for managing natural resources, especially the State’s mineral wealth.
In a press note, the Movement has requested all people-friendly political parties to support and incorporate the Goenchi Mati Manifesto into their party platforms.
“We have developed a win-win solution to a very vexed issue (mining) that is of great importance and concern to voters. While the manifesto was developed in 2016, it remains valid even today,” it said.
Goenchi Mati said, “We, the people of Goa, own the mineral in common. The State government is merely a trustee of natural resources for the people and especially future generations (Public Trust Doctrine). As we have inherited the minerals, we are simply custodians and must pass them on to future generations (Intergenerational Equity).”
It says, “Therefore, if we mine and sell our mineral resources, we must ensure zero loss, i.e. capture of the full economic rent (sale price minus cost of extraction, cost including reasonable profit for miner). Any loss is a loss to all of us and our future generations.”
“All receipts from minerals must be saved in the Goenchi Mati Permanent Fund. Similar proposals are already implemented all over the globe. Like the minerals, the Permanent Fund will also be part of the commons. The Supreme Court has ordered the creation of a Permanent Fund for Goan iron ore and already Rs 94 crore is deposited,” it said.
Further, it said, “Any real income (after inflation) from the Goenchi Mati Permanent Fund must only be distributed to all as a right of ownership, a Citizen’s Dividend. This is like the comunidade zonn, but paid to everyone.”
It said:”The Goenchi Mati manifesto revolves around the implementation of the Intergenerational Equity (IE) principle, which calls on Goans to ensure that our future generations inherit at least as much as we did. It provides an economically beneficial plan on mining going forward. It also suggests an interim plan for mining dependent. It places a priority for dump mining and land restoration over fresh mining. And concerns of the mining affected are also reflected.”
Andrea Rodericks of the Goenchi Mati Movement said, “The Goenchi Mati Manifesto proposes a model for mining that honours our Constitution and protects the rights of the children and of future generations of Goa. It also dramatically reduces the potential for looting that is associated with mining, which has caused tremendous environmental, economic and social damage in Goa. We call on all political parties and all independent MLAs to explicitly support our manifesto. This is the future we need; we have a vision for our future, now it requires political will and support.”
Rahul Basu of the Goenchi Mati Movement said, “Supporting the manifesto is a critical step in changing the trajectory of Goa’s society and economy. Goa has the opportunity to be a beacon of hope in a dark world. I hope Goans from all walks of life, especially the mining dependent, the mining affected, the business community, and anyone who cares about what is right, show leadership and courage and publicly support our manifesto.”
