Mining dependents seek help from Suresh Prabhu to meet PM

Goa Mining People's Front (GMPF) Chief Putti Gaonkar on Saturday said that mining dependents have urged Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Suresh Prabhu to facilitate a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi so that they could explain actual situation prevailing in the state following closure of mining.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Gaonkar, who was part of the delegation which met Mr Prabhu, said, the union minister was aware of the problems being faced by the mining dependents after closure of the mining in the state.

He said Mr Prabhu assured the delegation that he would try to find out possibility of a delegation comprising leaders from political parties in Goa and stakeholders of mining industry meeting Prime Minister and discussing ways of resumption of mining activities in the state.

Mr Prabhu was here to participate in Startup India Global Venture Capital Summit.

Mining activities in Goa have come to a standstill after a Supreme Court order found fault with state government renewing 88 mining leases and gave direction that the mining leases be issued afresh.

People affected by closure of mining in the state have planned to hold a protest in New Delhi when Winter Session of Parliament begins.

The protest plan has received support from Goa Forward Party (GFP), Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and Congress. There have been several assurances from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in the state over resumption of mining in the state and even few delegations have paid a visit to the national capital and met union minister but nothing has happened so far.