Goa: Cong wants guv to call spl session for mining resumption

Amid rising worry amongst mining dependents in Goa, the opposition Congress Monday requested Governor Mridula Sinha to convene a one-day session of the Legislative Assembly to discuss the issue of resumption of mining activity.

Leader of Opposition Chandrakant Kavlekar has written a letter to the governor to this effect.

The Congress' demand came close on the heels of reports that Union Law Ministry has asked Central government to decline the Goa government's request for an amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act to resume mining.

Over three lakh people dependent on mining were affected by the Supreme Court order dated February 7 which quashed 88 mining leases in the coastal state.

"I request you to convey the special session to discuss and direct the administration and convey to the Union government the demand of Goans for early resumption of mining business," stated Kavlekar in his letter.

Goa Legislative Assembly had passed a unanimous resolution during the monsoon session that the Central government amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act 1957 and the Goa, Daman and Diu Mining Concession (Abolition and Declaration of Mining Leases) Act 1987, to extend the life of mining leases till 2037.

"As per media reports, we have learnt that the Centre has categorically rejected the demand for early resumption of the mining business activities in Goa with much needed amendments in the current MMDR act through ordinance," the Leader of Opposition stated.

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has been absent for office for long due to his failing health.