Panaji, April 24 (IANS) Chief minister Manohar Parrikar is playing to the whims of Goa's mining magnates by rejecting a popular demand for a state-run corporation to control the mining industry, a pro-mining workers' collective said Thursday.
Goa Mining People's Front (GMPF) leader Christopher Fonseca told a press conference Thursday that the Goa government should follow the apex court's cue from last week's landmark judgment and take over operational mining leases from mining magnates, who allegedly oversaw a Rs.35,000-crore illegal mining scam.
"The chief minister is playing to corporate lobby which is controlling the mining industry... No one should forget that it was the greed of these private mining companies which led to the mining ban," said Fonseca, also the state's top Communist Party of India-Marxist leader.
Parrikar, speaking to the media Tuesday after the Supreme Court lifted the 19-month mining ban in Goa, ruled out setting up of a government mining corporation, claiming such corporations "provide huge scope for corruption".
He has also ducked questions about possible auctioning of the iron ore leases, considering they were classified as natural resource.
Fonseca ridiculed Parrikar's distaste for government-run corporations.
"Does that mean the corporations which are functioning as part of his government are corrupt too? Fortunately, whether to set up a corporation or not is not in the chief minister's hands. It is a recommendation made by the Supreme Court," Fonseca said.
A panel of experts appointed by the apex court to study the illegal mining issue in Goa has recommended the formation of a public sector company or a mining corporation to take charge of the mining industry in Goa, in light of the large-scale illegalities carried out by overzealous private mining companies.
The Supreme Court banned mining in October 2012 while hearing a petition on large-scale illegalities in the mining sector in Goa.
A central government-appointed Justice M.B. Shah Commission has exposed a Rs.35,000-crore illegal mining scam in Goa, in which politicians, bureaucrats and mining company magnates are linked.
When the mining industry was at its peak, over 55 million tonnes of iron ore was exported from the state in 2011.
India Gate closed to People Ahead of Republic Day
New Delhi, Jan 19 (IANS) Entry to the India Gate has been closed to people from Monday in view of heightened security arrangements for US President Barack Obama who will be the chief guest at the
Restrictions in Srinagar after youth's death in police firing
Srinagar, Feb 10 (IANS) Restrictions were imposed in some areas of Srinagar Tuesday, a day after a youth was killed in police firing in Baramulla district, police said.Restrictions have been
Samantha-Naga Divorce: Telangana minister apologizes to Samantha, had given a controversial statement regarding the divorce from Naga
Telangana minister has apologized for linking KTR to Samantha-Naga's divorce. He said that he is withdrawing his comments unconditionally. The matter created a ruckus when Telangana Forest Minister
Will send officers to Israel if needed, Bhagwant Mann's reply to Kejriwal's meeting
A meeting of Punjab officials was called by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi, which was described as a training program. Regarding this, the opposition accused Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of
'I have been a Sadhvi since childhood and will remain so in future too...', Mamta Kulkarni resigned from the post of Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhara.
Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni has today resigned from the post of Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhara. Ever since Mamta was made Mahamandaleshwar, a new controversy has arisen, after which she has
Weather Update: Relief from heat ends, heatwave warning in these states including Delhi-NCR; Know the weather of your city
Many states of the country are facing severe heat these days. In many states including Gujarat, Delhi, and UP, the temperature remains above 40 degrees. Heatwave conditions may persist in many states
Nicobar Islands Earthquake: Earthquake tremors felt in the Nicobar Islands, magnitude 5.0 on the Richter scale
Earthquake tremors were felt in the Nicobar Islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the early hours of Monday. An earthquake of magnitude 5.0 occurred in the Nicobar Islands.
India vs Pakistan: These veterans, including Virat, came out in support of Arshdeep, the young bowlers were trolled for dropping the catch
If there is a match between India and Pakistan, then cricket is not limited to sports only. In this one match, players have a great chance to become a hero. Pakistan players, against India and India
Tiranga Yatra: 'The pride of the country is the tricolor...', Rahul retaliated with the picture of Nehru
The Central Government has intensified preparations for the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign on the 75th anniversary of India's independence. Under this, 'tricolor' will be hoisted at every house from
World Cup: Prime Minister Modi met Indian players after the final; Shake hands with Jadeja, hugged Shami
India had to face defeat in the final of the ODI World Cup 2023 against Australia. Kangaroos beat India by six wickets. After this defeat, the Indian players went to the dressing room and a picture of
