NT Reporter | Margao
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said that eight vehicles procured at a cost of Rs 1.2 crore by the South Goa District Mineral Foundation would be used for the benefit of mining-affected people in the district.
“The District Mineral Funds have consistently been allocated for their intended purpose. These eight vehicles and three two-wheelers have been acquired for the welfare of those impacted by mining,” the chief minister said, adding that additional funds would be earmarked in the coming year.
He made the statement after inaugurating the vehicles at the South Goa district collectorate.
He also flagged off three two-wheelers designated for special persons — Geeta Masurkar from Mollem, Pandurang Tatle from Ponda and Virappa Kage from Curchorem — in the presence of Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai and district officials and staff.
The District Mineral Fund is a state-level fund established under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, to support communities adversely affected by mining.
Another fund created statewide under a Supreme Court directive — the Goa Mineral Ore Permanent Fund (GMOPF) — is intended to safeguard the state’s natural resources. Sawant said he intended to petition the Supreme Court for release of the GMOPF to benefit affected individuals.
Cleetus said four pickup trucks were allocated to assist mining-affected residents in Sanguem, Quepem, Dharbandora and Canacona.
Hearse vans were also provided to police stations for dignified transportation of deceased persons, she said.
