PORVORIM: On Tuesday, the Opposition expressed concerns about the possibility of mining resuming during this financial year, as Chief Minister Pramod Sawant projected Rs 1,000 crore in revenue from the sector for the fiscal year.
Participating in the discussion on the State Budget 2023-24, the Opposition stated that the failure to resume mining during this fiscal year would result in a revenue deficit of Rs 300 crore, contradicting the projected revenue surplus in the budget.
The Opposition highlighted that considering the various permissions required for mining to resume, it appears unlikely for the industry to commence operations within this financial year.
GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai told the House, “The CM has projected Rs 1,000 crore in revenue from the sector, but so far, the government has only conducted mineral block auctions. There is still a long way to go. If mining does not resume this fiscal year, the State will face a revenue deficit of Rs 300 crore by the end of the year.”
However, BJP Bicholim MLA Chandrakant Shetye attempted to allay these concerns by informing the House that mining activities would commence within the nextthree months.
He mentioned that a mineral block is scheduled for a public hearing next month for the grant of Environmental Clearance (EC). “Mining activities will resume in three months,” he assured.
