PANJIM: The State Mining Policy 2013 has run into controversy with the Goa Trade Union’s Confederation (GTUC) alleging that the suggestions and objections raised by the mining stakeholders including environmentalists and trade unions have not been included in the policy which was notified earlier this week.
The Confederation has given 10 days deadline to the government for fulfilling their demands failing which, demonstration, rallies, strikes would be held across the State.
GTUC has demanded that the policy should be amended and re-notified to include views of the stakeholders.
GTUC on Wednesday held a demonstration before office of Directorate of Mines and Geology in Panjim putting across their demands. Speaking to media persons, GTUC president Ajit Singh Rane said “the policy is same as the draft copy…it has not included any of the suggestions put forth by the stakeholders like environmentalists, mine owners and trade unions. Hence the policy cannot be termed as full-proof document towards sustainable mining,” Rane said.
GTUC has also demanded implementation of ‘Mining Master Plan’, drawn by them, that calls for a revamp of the mining industry to build a sustainable economy and ensure that Goa’s rich mineral resources are not owned and controlled by a few individuals, but benefits society at large.
Rane said that the plan has been submitted to the state and central governments; however there has been no reply so far. “We want government to implement the plan, which is a step ahead of Mining policy,” he said.
The plan recommends the legislation of a ‘Goa Mining Development Corporation Bill’, which will allot a 51 per cent government share in the corporation.
