Protect Goans' interest in mining policy, govt urged
During the discussion on demands for grants in the assembly, MLAs across party lines strongly urged govt to prioritise local interests in the mining policy, stressing work opportunities and business prospects for Goans.
MLA Carlos Ferreira brought the attention of the House to research by Nandakumar Kamat, who has flagged the possibility of gold deposits in Goa's soil. Ferreira said that if Kamat is proven correct, gold mining could generate substantial revenue for the state coffers.
The issue of employment for mining-affected communities took centre stage when MLA Chandrakant Shetye sought the chief minister's intervention to resolve the 'settlement' concerns of mining employees in his constituency.
Shetye pointed to a concerning trend where mining firms are increasingly engaging machinery and services from outside operators, effectively sidelining local workers and businesses.
'All jobs created in the mining sector should first go to the mining-affected people of Goa,' Shetye said. He stressed the need for policy measures that ensure local communities benefit from mining activities.
Opposition leader, Yuri Alemao, raised concerns over illegal sand extraction operations occurring under the cover of darkness across various places in the state. He called for immediate action against the perpetrators of these unauthorised mining activities.
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