Goa mining: Dependents' group hits out at BJP over resumption

An umbrella body fighting for those affected by the closure of the mining sector in Goa has accused the ruling BJP of not being serious about working toward its resumption.

The state's mining sector came to a standstill after the Supreme Court, in February this year, quashed 88 mining leases and banned extraction of fresh ore from March.

Goa Mining People's Front (GMPF) president Puti Goankar Monday said the group's functionaries had met the two Lok Sabha MPs and one Rajya Sabha MP, all belonging to the BJP, from Goa to press for the resumption of mining.

"I went to Delhi three times to plead with the Centre but realised that the file seeking amendment of mining laws had not moved," Gaonkar said.

"I realise that our MPs are doing nothing," he said of his meeting with LS MPs Shripad Naik and Narendra Sawaikar and Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar on the issue.

The GMPF wants Parliament to pass an amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill, 1957 so that mining leases in Goa get an extension till 2037.

He said those affected with the mining ban will now start approaching Goa BJP MLAs at their homes to demand wages.

The opposition Congress Monday supported GMPF's allegation that the BJP was not serious about resuming mining in Goa.

Goa Congress chief Girish Chodankar said the BJP wanted people to be economically weak and was fooling them on the mining issue to gain votes.

However, when contacted, BJP MP and state unit chief Vinay Tendulkar said the party was doing everything it could to restart the sector.

"The move for getting the sector to restart is heading in the right direction," Tendulkar claimed.