2011 revisited | Iron ore export ban loomed in Goa

Some tense moments for the Digambar Kamat government, economic uncertainity due to fear of ban on iron ore exports, protests over medium of instruction in schools and 50 year celebrations of liberation marked 2011 for Goa.

As the state readies to welcome several thousand tourists to its beaches to ring in the new year, the political atmosphere is also hotting up in the run-up to assembly elections in 2012.

The Congress government has begun its election campaign, although subtly. Congress President Sonia Gandhi was in Goa, two days before the December 19 Liberation Day to address the rally. Also, Kamat doled out sops in the form of schemes, bonus for government employees and other things.

The state also celebrated its 50 years of liberation from Portuguese rule. While the festivities are still continuing, the industry is worried about the Justice MB Shah Commission report, which has initially indicated total ban on iron ore exports.

The mining industry, which contributes more than Rs 1,000 crore to the state exchequer and provides employment for several thousands in seven talukas, has been backbone of the economy. There are fears that the economy will collapse once the ban is imposed.

Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan took additional charge of the post in Goa after SS Sidhu's term expired.

Another issue that grabbed headlines was the government's nod to English as medium of instruction in state-aided schools from the current academic year, a decision that led to protests as some groups claimed it would spell doom for Konkani and Marathi medium schools.