PANJIM: Stating that resumption of iron ore activities is one of the top most priorities of the State government, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said that his government would lobby with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for resumption of the mining industry once a Central Mines Minister is appointed in the Union Cabinet.
Speaking to media persons, Sawant said that he would be meeting Prime Minister on the mining issue once the new Mines Minister is appointed.
“Let us first see who is appointed as Mines Minister at the Centre. It would be better to approach the Prime Minister with the help of concerned Minister,” he said adding ‘I will discuss the proposal with the new Mines Minister first’.
Chief Minister however, refused to disclose as what exactly is going to be the State proposal for resumption of the industry, which is shut for last 14 months.
“Why should I disclose the secret now itself,” he commented.
The mining activities in the State are shut following Supreme Court ordering quashing and setting aside the second renewals granted to 88 leases.
“Along with mining, Mhadei is yet another issue that needs to be taken up on priority,” he said without elaborating in detail.
Mhadei water sharing case between Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka is pending before the Mhadei Water dispute tribunal and also before Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister said that he along with his MLAs and Ministers and BJP office bearers would be attending the swearing-in ceremony of Modi on May 30.
Modi along with his cabinet will be sworn in by the President of India.
“All the MLAs have got the invite and we would be attending it,” he said.
When asked if he felt that Goa would be represented in the Union cabinet again, Sawant said that we do feel that there should get representation.
During recently held Lok Sabha elections, BJP’s Shripad Naik won from North Goa, while Congress’ Francisco Sardinha got hold over South.
Naik, who was re-elected for the fifth consecutive term, has served as Union Minister of State for AYUSH in the earlier Modi cabinet.
