Ponda Goa, 9 December 2020: Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF), representing the cause of lakhs of people gainfully employed in the mining industry in the state of Goa today. criticised Goa Foundation, a Goa based NGO for creating muddle in Goa Mining matter which is on halt from past 32 months. The outburst of COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified the tragic economic condition of the state in a precarious condition. With state borrowing standing at an all-time high, the amount of debt has been further increased in last 3 years. Mining has been stopped in Goa from March 15, 2018 after the Apex Court of India quashed 88 mining leases in the state.
Mr. Puti Gaonkar, President, GMPF today said, “The state of Goo has lost third consecutive mining seoson which has incurred a loss of Rs. 3,500 to the state revenue because of continuous misrepresentation of facts by Goo Foundation. The NGO doesn’t represent the mining dependents of Goa. All of us are looking eagerly for swift resolution of the Mining issue in the State and are hopeful towards the upcoming Supreme Court Hearing and hope that Goa Foundation does not further delay the process on some flimsy grounds. ”
“The Government is delaying to bring about the solution to restart mining using the excuse of NGO’s negative role. Goo Foundation should stop playing as ‘s team’ to certain foreign forces having interest in Goa Mining. The woes of mining dependents are increasing each passing day The NGO has been misleoding everyone by claiming that state mining corporation will be a cake wolk success knowing fully well that state corporation is not practical for operational leases. They are carrying on the agenda without having any thought towards the livelihood of people who are engaged in mining industry. Recently the NGO themselves admitted that it would take further 3 years for mining to resume in the State, can they shed light as to how they propose to provide livelihood to us during these 3 years. We hope that their action plan if any should be viable and Implementable and not impractical was their previous suggestions. Action must be initiated against NGOs like Goo Foundation for misleading the people and the policy makers and cousing immense harm to the interest of the people of the state” Added Mr. Gaonkar.
Nearly 60,000 directs jobs have been lost due to mining closure and the mining dependent people are in distress even for earning their livelihood, With the Supreme Court hearing continuously rescheduling and issuing of new ones, agony of mining dependents is roaring at its most
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