The Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF) has sought changes from the Central government in its proposed mineral reform policy for resuming mining activities in Goa and requested them to consider legislative amendments in the Goa Daman and Diu Act, 1987, the body said in a statement.
The change proposed by GMPF will bring the Indian State of Goa on the same level with other States to harmonize with the MMDR Act amendment of 2015 as the current inequality allows all other states except Goa to extend/renew the life of lease for a period of 50 years from earlier provision of 20 years, it stated.
The suggested change will also help in accelerating growth, increase employment, and stimulate the economy progressively to recover from the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the State, GMPF said.
On the DMF (District Mineral Funds) amendment, GMPF has stressed on the need to use the funds to create alternate employment along with agricultural schemes to create sustainable long-term opportunities for employment in the mining belt and an alternate source of livelihood for people in the state.
Goa has incurred losses of around Rs70bn ($953mn) in the last two years after mining activities were halted.
($1 = Rs73.4)