TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The Goa government had initially proposed to auction the ore lying stacked at mine-heads, stockyards, processing plants and jetties through a public auction wherein persons registered under Rule 45 of the Mineral Concession Rules 1988 can bid.
However, the affidavit, which has now been made available, came before the Supreme Court after the three judge bench headed by Justice A K Patnaik and with Justices S S Nijjar and F M I Kalifulla as other judges on the bench had already drafted their interim order decreeing an e-auction which would mean those allowed to participate would not be restricted only to Goan mine owners and traders registered with the department.
“Subject to the orders of this Hon’ble Court, the State Government has decided to dispose off this material viz. approximately 11.56 million tonnes of ore … approximately 1.22 million tonnes ore found lying at various mine heads and another 2.68 million tonnes ore entirely by public auction, wherein the State government proposes to allow any person registered under Rule 45 of the Mineral Concession and Development Rules to bid at the auction,” the affidavit reads.
The state also said that it has formed its own monitoring committee to look into the auctioning of the ore.
Crucially the state government had also said in its affidavit that “the monies received from the sale of such ore lying at the site since 2007 upon expiry of the leases belongs to the state of Goa until such time the state government decides upon the second renewal of applications pending with the state government. “
“It however said that the amounts shall be retained by the state through an escrow account and depending on the decision of the state government on the application for the second renewal and subject to any past or future dues, including that of fines, rent, royalty, penalty forest dues other cesses or taxes the disposal of the said amount will be considered by the state government. Thereafter in cases where the application is rejected, the amount shall automatically stand credited to the state treasury from such escrow account,” the state had said.
However, with the Supreme Court’s order asked for an e-auction and keeping the money in an account of the state government till a final decision on the matter.
In its affidavit the state government also told the court that it had issued two public notices with regard to the lapsing of leases as well as its plans to upgrade the mines department which has now been “alloted a new area of about 88 sq metre on 6th November 2013″ and that the state government has approved the proposal of enhancement of the present staff in the department of mines and geology from 60 to 450 employees at various levels including for being deputed at the mine sites and check centre for daily monitoring as also for inspecting staff and other qualified personnel.”
Recruitment is expected to begin shortly.
