Mining industry flays Human Rights' report
PTI, PANAJI | 27 June 2012 18:03 IST
The mining industry in Goa has taken exception to a report published by an international human rights organisation, which has been critical of the companies operating in the sector.
The industry representatives have sought amendments in the report, `Mining, Regulatory Failures and Human Rights in India', brought out by Human Rights Watch (HRW) last week, saying it creates wrong impression about the key sector.
The US-based rights body has claimed "extreme" human right violations by the mining industry in the country.
Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association (GMOEA) Executive Director Swaminathan Sridhar had claimed he was extensively misquoted in the report released here.
"I am yet to receive any response from them. I am waiting for them to make necessary corrections in the report as it is creating a wrong impression (about the industry)," Sridhar told PTI today.
Sridhar, in a letter to HRW, had said he was surprised to see that extracts of his interview were misquoted by the rights group.
The report had quoted Sridhar as saying that the mining firms need to bribe Government officials to expedite clearances.
He had also spoken about politicians getting into the business and 40 per cent of mines in Goa violating laws.
Sridhar outright denied making these allegations and maintained he was misquoted in the report.
