PORVORIM: Announcing that the BJP-led State government is exploring all the possible lawful options to resume the iron ore mining operations, Goa Governor Satya Pal Malik on Tuesday said that government is “very optimistic” in restarting the activities during the ensuing season.
In his one hour-long address to the State Legislative Assembly, Governor said that State government has suggested to the Centre a possible alternative for the amendment of the Goa, Daman and Diu Mining Concessions (Abolition and Declaration as Mining Leases) Act, 1987, wherein its implementation is sought to be prospective in nature.
The Governor added that State is exploring all the possible lawful options to resume mining operations and as such, the government has also filed a review petition before the Supreme Court to review its order dated February 7, 2018 (mining ban).
“My government is very optimistic in resuming mining operations in Goa during the ensuing season thereby rejuvenating State’s economy and lives of citizens. My government has left no stone unturned to explore all possible ways and means for resumption of mining in Goa,” Malik told the House.
The Governor added that the State government has deliberated on the issue of mining with Union Ministers on several occasions and has submitted four representations so far.
He pointed out that the mining industry was a source of major revenue and an employment generator for the State. He added that the government has extended all possible support to mining dependents for which financial assistance of Rs 108.4 crore has been sanctioned.
“Under the ‘One Time Settlement Scheme (OTS)’, an amount of Rs 96.64 crore has been disbursed to 4543 beneficiaries, said the Governor, while adding that under the umbrella scheme, financial assistance of Rs 170.82 crore has been disbursed to 9020 beneficiaries.
The Mining industry in Goa has been shut since March 16, 2018 after Supreme Court quashed second renewals granted to 88 mining leases terming it as “illegal”.
The Governor also informed the House that in order to give relief to the people affected by mining closure, the government has exempted motor vehicles engaged in transportation of mineral ore from the payment of tax payable under the Act for the period from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2020.
