Team Herald
PANJIM: Stating that the ordinance route is not legally tenable, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said that the government is totally with the mining dependents and “not so much worried about the mine owners”.
“Goa is a peace loving State and we are seized with the problems faced by the dependents after the Supreme Court ruling on mining and we are sympathetic towards them,” Gadkari said addressing the media after meeting mining stakeholders, coalition partners, CAC and the State cabinet.
He said the first thing everyone has to understand was it was not an issue made or created by the State or Central government. “The decision is not of State or Centre but the Supreme Court of India and we all citizens have to respect the decision of the Apex court,” he said.
Gadkari said he was in Goa as per the directions of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the crisis-like situation. “We don’t think a major problem is of mine owners and hence our priority is the poor mining dependents and we are sincerely and seriously trying to solve their issues first,” he said, adding that the State cabinet will decide how to support the dependents.
Gadkari said the Centre will support the State in every way for auction of mines but till then a way has to found out.
The minister also added that resumption will be delayed if mining auction route is taken now. “Resumption will be delayed if the mines are auctioned as the Environmental Clearances itself would take around a year and we can’t allow the mining dependents to be left in the lurch without any employment. They also have their families to feed,” Gadkari said.
On what the Centre and State plans to do for resumption, he said, “After consultation with the Cabinet Advisory Committee (CAC) and so also the
cabinet ministers we have decided to seek legal opinion of the country’s three top lawyers besides speaking to the Attorney General and so also the State Advocate General.”
“I have also asked the mine owners and the stakeholders to seek independent opinion from any High Court judge as there are different interpretations of the Supreme Court ruling,” he said adding, “Within eight days we will compile all opinions and seek a way forward.”
The Union Minister is also for seeking opinion on whether the remaining mines except for the 88 whose renewals have been quashed can be started. “We will see if the remaining mines can be started which can provide employment and work to the truck owners and barge owners,” he explained.
He also rejected suggestions that an Ordinance can be issued as per MMDR Act saying, “The Ordinance route is not legally tenable at all.”
On the delay in deciding on filing a review petition, he said, “I would say it takes time to interpret a judgement but you have to understand the PM is also concerned of the issue and hence I am come to solve the issues of people’s livelihood.”
He said he will speak to the Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and also see what can be worked out.
On the violence by the agitating mining dependents, he said, “I have spoken to Chief Secretary not to act against mining dependents except those who were caught on cameras damaging government property.”
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No change in leadership, CM will be back soon: Gadkari
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday laid to rest speculation of a leadership change in the State following the ill health and treatment in New York of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
“There is no question of change in leader. I have spoken to him on phone in New York and I am told he is responding well to the treatment and will be back soon,” Gadkari said, replying to questions.
“I am sure he will be back stronger. The issue is just of a few days if not months. But he has appointed CAC which is doing well so what is the worry,” he said.
Gadkari also said that Parrikar once back will solve the several pending issues, including mining. “The Centre stands by the government in this time of crisis,” he said.
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‘Goa has got much more than special status’
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the Central government under Narendra Modi has given much more to the State than special status.
“In the last four years we have sanctioned around Rs 15,000 cr to the State for development which was never given in history. So what is the need of special status?” he asked.
“Even Andhra is asking for special status but I would tell you we have given them Rs 2 lakh crore, including Rs 60,000 cr for a dam,” he said.
Gadkari said if everyone starts asking for special status it would have no meaning. “See Goa’s history since statehood did you ever get so much ever?” he asked.
He said that besides this, he had now sanctioned around Rs 450 cr for the new Mandovi bridge. “We have sanctioned 50 per cent of the cost for the bridge which also includes the ring road. This will help bring down the liability of state government,” he said”
