Nationalisation of Goa mining demanded
PTI, PANAJI | 12 August 2012 22:40 IST
The Communist Party of India (CPI) today demanded nationalisation of Goa's mining industry so that wealth generated from natural resources could be accumulated in the states coffers.
CPIs Goa state council deputy secretary R D Mangueshkar told reporters that although mining is a national subject, the extraction of minerals is privatised.
A few mine owners reap benefits worth crores of rupees, while the state gets very less money.
Mining should be nationalised so that the money goes to the state's coffers, Mangueshkar said.
Goa is the countrys biggest exporter of iron ore, shipped to Chinas steel industry.
The state has 300 odd mining leases, of which 90 are operational. Mangueshkar said that increasing mechanisation in the mining industry has resulted in workmen being laid off en masse.
Almost 90 per cent of the workmen who were employed in these mines ten years ago have been laid off. Regular employees are replaced with contractual appointments, he said.
The labour union leader also said that mine owners discourage labour unions on their mines, so that they can exploit the workers outright. He said that salaries paid to these workers are pathetic.
Some workers who have put in 30 years of service earn as low as Rs 14,000 per month, he said, adding that contract worker in mines are paid Rs 150 per day.
Mangueshkar rued that the state government in its draft mining policy has not considered any aspect about the safety and security of workers employed on various mining leases in the state.
i wish nationalisation of mining was done by the state govt immediately after liberation. it was bandodkar himself who was a mine owner so no nationalisation was done. goa would have been much batter then. govt should see feasibility and if feasible do it. however only mining should be nationalised. not transport or other activity or value addition. for example chowgule mines are to be nationalised not mandowi palettes. fomento and dempo should be encouraged to open steel mills. transport and barges continue to be in hands of private parties. all mines come under goa assembly. all ore sold through spot exchange. goa will be richest state in india and there will be a public audit. MLAs would become directors of Goa State Mining Corporation with CM as chairman and Leader of Opposition as Dy Chairman. i think it is feasible good for environment and would end illegal mining if properly implemented