PERNEM: Former chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar argued on Wednesday that the mining leases were renewed for valid reasons.
Parsekar was reacting to Goa Lokayukta’s recommendation to file First Information Reports (FIRs) against him and two others for renewing 88 mining leases in the State, which were quashed and set aside by the Supreme Court.
He said it’s a fact that mining leases were renewed; however, there were reasons for their renewal.
“After mining, Lithoferro company had approached High Court against the State government “and order was passed directing) the
government to take a decision on renewal of leases within three months and on other hand the mining dependents were facing financial crisis due to ban on mining,” he said.
“As a helping hand to mining dependents, the Government started providing temporary financial help to them. The truck owners were given Rs 4,000 for each truck to pay off the instalments and those, who lost their jobs, were also given financial assistance. Doing this for 3 or 4 months was feasible, but providing financial assistance for a long period of time was not feasible for the government,” he explained.
“The people, who were affected due to mining ban, used to approach me seeking justice and were expecting the Government to solve the issue every now and then. So, the Government was under pressure on mining issue,” Parsekar argued.
“With regards to the case filed by Lethofero, the High Court had given orders to take decision on lease renewals. In compliance, it was decided to prepare lease renewal policy. Later, the policy document was prepared and on renewal of leases, a cabinet decision was also taken. The lease renewal policy was notified in the Gazette and later produced before the High Court and later the leases were renewed,” he explained.
“Thereafter, the NGO approached the Supreme Court with two prayers – first – cancellation of lease renewal and second – to initiate criminal proceedings against the Chief Minister, Secretary and Director. Renewal of leases was cancelled or found illegal by Apex Court, but does it mean criminal proceedings should be conducted against the Chief Minister? I never heard if any Government or chief minister takes any decision and if that decision is wrong then criminal proceedings should be conducted. If that is the thing, then how will the government function and take the required decision?” he asked.
