Goa Cabinet has given its approval for the signing of the Mining Development and Production Agreement (MPDA) with Vedanta Limited for its Bicholim Mineral Block. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the decision on Friday, highlighting the Cabinet's nod to the agreement that encompasses Bordem, Lamgao, Mulgao, Mayem, and Sirigao villages.
Sawant emphasized that Vedanta Ltd is the exclusive entity to have secured Environmental Clearance (EC) for its mineral block. During a media briefing, he stated, "No other company has completed all other formalities. Vedanta Ltd is the only firm." The Union Ministry for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) granted the EC for Bicholim Block I, which boasts an iron ore production capacity of three million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
This marks the first EC granted for a mining lease post the suspension of activities.
Other Cabinet Decisions Include Conversion of 40 Part-Time ESI Employees to Contract Basis and Creation of Public Prosecutor Posts
Conversion of 40 Part-Time ESI Employees: The Goa Cabinet approved the conversion of 40 Employees' State Insurance (ESI) workers from part-time to contract positions. CM Sawant explained that these employees had served on a part-time basis for over two decades, prompting the government's decision to appoint them on a contractual basis. The move is accompanied by a salary increase, raising their remuneration from approximately Rs 15,000 to at least Rs 25,000.
Creation of 2 Regular Posts of Public Prosecutors: In a bid to strengthen the legal framework, the Cabinet decided to create two regular posts of Public Prosecutors.
Upcoming Programs to Mark 5 Years of Pramod Sawant-Led Government
As the Pramod Sawant-led government in Goa approaches its fifth anniversary on March 19, a series of people-oriented programs and initiatives have been planned to celebrate the occasion. Due to the likelihood of the anniversary falling within the Model Code of Conduct for Parliamentary Elections, the related programs will commence from February 27 and continue until March 10. Some initiatives include:
Panchayat Chalo Abhiyan: Twelve ministers will visit panchayats in all 12 constituencies, engaging with local communities.
Mahila Din: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually interact with Self Help Groups (SHG) across the state on March 7. Revolving funds amounting to Rs 4 crore will be disbursed to SHGs, along with the distribution of bank loans.
Swayampuran Goa 2.0 Review: A comprehensive review of the state's self-reliance programs.
Free Spectacles Distribution: Around 30,000 students will receive free spectacles under the CSR initiative.
Chief Minister Sawant expressed his enthusiasm for these programs, underscoring the government's commitment to the welfare and development of the people of Goa.