Khalap urges PM to take over non-leased mines & auction

GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 20 September 2012 00:47 IST

Former union law minister has urged Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to take over the mines that are not leased out and auction them to highest bidders.

In a letter, Khalap has stated: “in my opinion all mines not covered by valid leases must be taken over by the Government, sub-divided into blocks of suitable sizes and auctioned to the highest bidders. Rest of the mines covered by valid leases must be allowed to operate in the interest of the large section of our people whose livelihood depends on this business.”

At the same time, Khalap has also opined that all the recommendations of Shah Commission must be implemented forthwith.

In fact he has suggested constituting an independent agency to supervise implementation of the Commission’s recommendations.

“Government of India and the Goa Government must jointly decide the methodology of implementation of the recommendations as well as long term strategy for the mining industry,” he states.

He has also expressed anguish over the allegations and counter allegations both the central and state governments are involved in which, according to him, has worsened the situation.

He has urged the PM to flag a meeting between the top functionaries to find a speedy and amicable solution to the problem.

“Subject to compliance of all Rules and Regulations, a fully regulated mining activity must immediately start as otherwise the unrest among the barge owners, truck owners and their crew as well as workers in ancillary businesses and all others directly or indirectly dependent on the mining business for their
livelihood may develop into an unmanageable, unsavory and undesirable social conflict,” states Khalap.

The independent agency should also devise ways and means to recover the value of the ore extracted illegally from non-lease areas and decide the fate of dumps of low grade ore and mining rejects, he suggests in the letter.

He also feels that stoppage of mines will affect export commitments resulting into long term adverse effects on foreign trade besides affecting foreign exchange earnings of the Country.

Copies of the letter have also been sent to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, BJP leader L K Advani, opposition leader Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj, Goa governor as well as Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar. 


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I dont think auction is a better option. i urge the govt to take over mining itself and form the goa state mining development corporation. It is better if parrikar himself runs the mines as cm of goa instead of private parties. There will be better transperencey as accounts of the mines will be before the goa assembly in form of returns of the corporation. MLAs will have a real work to do as directors of the corporation. there will be end of curruption, mining mafia. Environment will be safe and we goans will not need to pay taxes. This years goa govts budget is 4000 crores and mining profits are 5000 crore. just imagine. goa govt will not need any money from centre or the people if this 5000 crore goes to treasury of goa govt. it is enough that a few mine owners and illegal miners have looted goa.

- jayesh nayak, porvorim | 20 th September 2012 18:26

 

it’s good to see Khalap active!! But I have few questions to ask Khalap:

Did you not know that mining activity was illegally carried out in Goa?

Is it that Shah Commission woke you up on mining activity and mining scam of Goa?

Why are you pressurizing Goa Governor to play middle man roll between Goa chief minister and Mines and environment minister of India?

Now how is that you started urging Prime Minister of India to solve the deadlock prevailing on mining activity in Goa? Do you want PM to get involved in mining scam in Goa as he did Coalgate scam?

Why are you not giving your legal and frank opinion on Shah Commission Report? Instead you are airing your views of appointing yet another commission/fact finding commission to investigate about the report, why? Are you working towards achieving “justice delayed is justice denied” objective?

Lastly, considering your new born interest in mining activity of Goa, I’m prompted to ask you, which mining lobby or politicians involved you in this new activity i.e. take/speak on mining activity in Goa!

Do you mean to say that there are no other compelling issues in Goa to be taken up for the betterment of Goa and Goans other than mining activity?

Awaiting your feedback on issues raised herein above.

Uday - Margao

- Uday, Margao | 20 th September 2012 12:56

 

Birds of the same feathers wants to flock together to loot GOA and the Hindustan.

- elvis colaso, Panaji | 20 th September 2012 08:37

 

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