Team Herald
PORVORIM: Poriem MLA Deviya Rane has demanded that government ensures that once the mining leases are auctioned, the existing workforce on those leases is not replaced by new recruits.
Speaking on the floor of the House on Wednesday, Rane said that majority of the people working in the mining sector are left jobless and are not employable anywhere due to their age or skill set. She pointed out that Sesa Goa Workers Union members had met her as the company has begun retrenchment.
“All these years, the mining companies have benefitted from the mining but suddenly these retrenchments have begun. These people are left without any livelihood as they are totally dependent on the mining industry. They have elected me as their MLA and I am their voice as well. When there is an injustice to them, I will bring to the notice of the House. People from my constituency are severely affected. My request to the new lease holders is that existing workers should be retained and they should be employed again,” she said.
Rane said that there is no assurance from the CM whether the same employees and ex-employees will be taken back and urged the government to take a stand that new companies have to employ the retrenched workers.
On the Feni production in Goa, she urged the government to ensure it is allowed to be sold nationally and internationally, stating it will also help the local farmers.
