Lack of infrastructure hindering work of Khandeparkar panel

TEAM HERALD

teamherald@herald-goa.com

PANJIM: The non-availability of infrastructure and lack of a secure premises has hindered my committee’s inquiry into illegal mining in Goa, admitted Justice (retd) R M S Khandeparkar, who is heading the high level investigation committee on illegal mining. 

At the same time, he said that he would not quit the committee although it has not met even once, as it is for the government to take a call on the fate of this inquiry body, which was constituted to study the findings of the Justice Shah Commission report which had pointed out several irregularities and illegalities in the mining sector. The Commission had pegged Rs 35,000 crore scam in the sector. 

“No work has been started by the committee. The government has not provided any infrastructure so far. There is no proper security here. Mining is a big issue. I had told the government in advance that I need a secured premise and only then tge committee would commence its work,” Justice Khandeparkar said. 

“Eight months are over and I have not started work. The committee was given one year’s time to submit its report. If the government refuses to extend the time, the committee will lapse,” he said ruling out that the committee might ask for extension of the tenure.

The committee which was notified in November 2012, has not met even once as the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has been extending deadlines to furnish the office for the committee. In January, GSIDC was directed by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to provide infrastructure for the committee office. 

 “Just last month, GSIDC has finalized an infrastructure plan,” he added. 

When asked whether there is a possibility that the Committee might quit considering lack of government support and also because now the mining case being investigated by Crime Branch and Lokayukta, Khandeparkar replied in the negative. 

“There is no question of me quitting the post or continuing here. The committee was given a certain mandate and it is for the government to decide about the committee,” he said. The Justice said that he is not aware about the nature of probe sought from Crime Branch or Lokayukta on mining.

The Government is currently in the process of taking a decision on the Committee considering the fact that the case is been handed over to Lokayukta and Crime Branch.