Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF), representing the cause of lakhs of people gainfully dependent upon the mining industry for their livelihoods in the state of Goa, today, in a meeting with Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant pushed for resumption of mining operations through any means which may be necessary.
In the meeting, GMPF delegation also discussed the next steps to find solution to the mining ban in the state and sought an update on the proposed meeting that was scheduled with the Union Mines Minister followed by a meeting with the Prime Minister of India as was mentioned by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa after Delhi visit on 30th of September. GMPF also discussed issues related to the wellbeing of the people engaged in the mining industry who have been without a source of livelihood for almost 30 Months.
Mr. Puti Gaonkar, President, GMPF today said, “GMPF as always urges and requests the State and central Government to get together and work towards early resumption of mining operations in the State of Goa. We Thank the Chief Minister for his patient hearing and his dedicated efforts and requested him to kindly follow up with the Union Mines Minister and the Prime Minister to find a workable solution which would benefit the people engaged in the mining industry in the State of Goa.”
Abrupt stoppage of mining activities from March 16, 2018 in Goa, has resulted in loss of livelihood of more than 3,00,000 people. The unprecedented Covid pandemic has further worsened economic situation of the state as the tourism sector, Goa’s biggest revenue and employment generator in absence of mining, is likely to remain at a standstill for the next 12 to 18 months.
It’s critical that mining activities resume in the State of Goa and that help people get back their jobs and other forms of employment in the coming season itself starting November/December.