Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: The Supreme Court appointed Central Empowered Committee has slammed Goa Government for notifying ‘Goa Mineral Ore Permanent Fund Trust Scheme’ without obtaining the apex court’s approval.
As per the scheme 10 per cent of the sale proceeds of minerals sold by e-auction and pit mouth sale value will be deposited towards the welfare of people from the mining belt as well as for restoration of the affected areas.
In July, the State government had notified the scheme thus paving way for setting up of the fund, of which no amount will be utilised for any purpose other than towards the affected people and areas, as per government notification.
However, the 10 per cent of the balance fund can be used in case of disaster emanating from mining related activities or any unforeseen disaster such as pandemic, epidemic and any natural calamity.
“It is seen that the State of Goa have formally notified the Goa Mineral Ore Permanent Fund Trust Scheme in Gazatte dated 01.07.2021. This should not have been done without first obtaining the approval of this Hon’ble Court to the Scheme,” read the Central Empowered Committee’s (CEC) report dated September 8.
However, the CEC, which assists the Supreme Court in matters related to wildlife and forests, suggested that the court may approve the “draft of the Goa Mineral Ore Permanent Fund Trust Scheme”.
The committee urged the Court that while granting approval for the draft, the condition may be laid down that as and when changes are to be made to the scheme, Apex court prior approval must be taken.
The scheme is in tune with the Supreme Court’s April 21, 2012 order, for protection of “intergenerational equity”.