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Goa mining ban: Congress says Modi’s ‘judicial solution’ promise is a farce

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Panaji, Jan 22 (IANS) The BJP is keen on dragging the controversy over closure of mining in Goa until the Lok Sabha polls to cash in on people’s anxieties, said state Congress president Girish Chodankar on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise of a “judicial solution” — 11 months after the Supreme Court banned all mining in Goa — is a farce, said Chodankar.

Speaking to reporters, Chodankar said the onus of wrecking the mining industry with a hurried ban lay at the doorstep of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and not the Congress.

“On mining, the Prime Minister spoke of a ‘judicial solution’. Why could he not have said it 11 months ago? Mining industry workers as well as small stakeholders are jobless for 11 months. This is nothing but a farce,” Chodankar said, referring to Modi’s assurance given on Sunday to BJP booth workers via video conference.

The mining ban issue has been hanging fire in Goa ever since the apex court banned extraction and transportation of iron ore from 88 mining leases from February last year, while also directing the state government to reissue mining leases.

This is the second ban that the mining industry, the mainstay of the state’s economy, suffered in the last seven years.

The first time the mining industry suffered a setback was when Parrikar imposed a “temporary ban” on mining, after a judicial inquiry unearthed a Rs 35,000 crore illegal mining scam in which mining magnates, Congress leaders as well as bureaucrats were linked.

The ban was immediately followed by revocation of environment clearances by the United Progressive Alliance government.

Finally, a ban was imposed by the apex court in 2012.

A Special Investigation Team tasked with the responsibility of probing the findings of the judicial commission has been criticised by the Opposition as well as civil society groups for delay in nailing the culprits involved in the scam.

Chodankar said the onus of triggering a series of bans lay with Parrikar, quoting the Chief Minister’s comment at an award ceremony in 2012.

“Parrikar stopped mining and said as much on the national platform. The responsibility lies at the door of the BJP and Manohar Parrikar. They do not want the common people, who were living off the mining industry, to do well. They have destroyed their livelihood,” Chodankar said.

–IANS
maya/oeb/prs

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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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