CM dodges the 35K cr question September 13, 2012
TEAM HERALD teamher...@herald-goa.com PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday dodged questions on the steps he proposed to take for the recovery of the estimated Rs 35,000 crore lost due to illegal mining from encroachment, claiming that the Government is still examining the report. The CM also refused to state as whether criminal action would be initiated against mine owners, as he has promised against the politicians who allegedly helped them bend the law for financial gains, as indicated in the Shah Commission Report. "We are examining the report. Some mining leases have encroached on to Government land and we would be penalizing them," was the best he could manage, adding that action would be taken "as per the Land Revenue Code". “Unless the Mines Department puts up a note to me on exact recommendations of the Shah Commission, I cannot take any action. But definitely there would be an action plan,” Parrikar claimed. Parrikar, who also holds the Mining portfolio, also announced that the Directorate of Mines and Geology has been identified as the nodal authority for ensuring that the mining firms complied with all the required permissions before they are allowed to start operations. http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Main%20Page%20News/CM-dodges-the-35K-cr-question/64379.html
