Margao: With several thousand mining dependents continuing their year long agitation for resumption of the industry, Shiv Sena has promised assured minimum support to those who are affected with the uncertainties in this industry.
Shiv Sena’s State Vice President and the candidate for South Goa Lok Sabha Seat, Rakhi Prabhudesai Naik, has said that the Sena will ensure that the financial support is given either through Central Coffers or District Mineral Foundation, which has been a collection of money from the mining industry.
District Mineral Foundation is set up in all the districts of the country, affected by mining related operations, under Minerals (Development and Regulations) Amendment Act 2015.
Naik has recalled that Sena has stood firm with mining dependents in their time of crisis and had even participated in protests in New Delhi in December, last year.
“We have always been with the mining dependents. Sena assures to raise the voice of mining dependents in Parliament. The BJP MPs from Goa have failed to do so. Once elected, we will do it for the sake of lakhs of people dependent on this industry,” she said.
Sena has also said that in case, the industry takes time to resume, the MP will move resolution in the Parliament giving minimum support to the mining dependents through central funds or from the District Mineral Fundation.
Naik has said that mining dependents and the industry have contributed to the central and state coffers lakhs of rupees in the form of royalty and other taxes. “The mining industry has played an important role in the development of the State. So, it is the duty of the centre and state right now to help them during their time of crisis,” she said.
Sena has said the way farmers are supported in the country through various loan waivers, the mining dependents should also be considered for the support considering their contribution towards growth story of India.
Sena has no representation in Goa Legislative Assembly and is fighting only on South Goa Parliamentary Seat in the State.
