PANJIM: Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Ramakrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar on Monday said that the Group of Ministers (GoM) constituted to deal with mining issues across the mineral rich States of the country, will be meeting on October 13 to discuss the way forward for resumption of iron ore activities in Goa, whose operations have been shut since March.
Speaking to the media, Dhavalikar said that the GoM will discuss the proposal submitted by the State for resuming mining operations. He said that the closure of the sector has had a severe impact on the State finances with a loss of Rs 3500 crore.
The GoM comprises Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari, Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had in August approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the GoM with a State Assembly resolution seeking the Centre’s support to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR) 2015 and Goa, Daman and Diu Mining Concessions (Abolition and Declaration as Mining Leases) Act, 1987, giving leases a life till 2037.
Dhavalikar said that the Parliament session is likely to be summoned in November and it is expected that the necessary amendments will be introduced during the session. “Closure of mining has not just affected State finances but has had a drastic impact on the economy in the mining belt. The direct and indirect loss to the State is to the tune of Rs 3500 crore,” the Minister said.
“Unless the financial position of the State improves, from where are we going to create employment opportunities?” he asked, responding to a question.
Dhavalikar said that Prime Minister and Union Mines Minister are monitoring the Goa case, and from Goa, the Chief Secretary is continuously following up with the Centre.
The Minister opined that till mining activities resume, the government may allow handling of iron ore dumps lying at various mining sites. “From November onwards, we can start handling dumps. Though there is not much demand for high grade ore, we have no other option to handle the ore,” he stated.
Asked about Deputy Speaker and BJP MLA Michael Lobo’s recent outburst against the government on mining and employment, Dhavalikar said, “Lobo should not have spoken publicly. If he had some issues, he should have discussed it with BJP leaders.”
