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Day before SC-ordered mining ban, Goa mulls review petition

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Panaji, March 14 (IANS) As iron ore extraction and transportation from Goa’s 88 mining sites is due to come to a temporary halt on Thursday following a Supreme Court order, the state’s Cabinet Advisory Committee on Wednesday recommended filing of a review petition to seek continuation of the mining until the leases are auctioned.

Speaking to IANS on Wednesday, Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardesai, one of the three Ministers on the committee, said the panel had recommended the line of action to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is undergoing treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer in the United States.

“The Chief Minister will take a final decision soon,” Sardesai said.

Sardesai also said that the committee had recommended that the state government should approach the Attorney General of India to file the review petition in the Supreme Court as soon as possible.

In its order last month, the apex court had ordered a stop on mining in 88 sites leased in Goa from March 15 and directed the state government to issue fresh leases, after completing necessary environment-related formalities.

An amendment to the Mines and Minerals Regulation and Development Act of 2016 had made auctioning of natural resources mandatory.

The apex court decision triggered a rift in the Bharatiya Janata Party-led coalition in Goa, with several legislators, including BJP MLA from Curchorem Nilesh Cabral, accusing both the state and central governments of “betraying” the interests of those dependent on mining industry in Goa, by not working quickly enough to prevent iron ore extraction from shutdown on March 15.

Urban Development Minister Francis D’Souza, another member of the committee, said that auctioning of mining leases in Goa was the only option, but added that companies currently engaged in ore extraction should be allowed to continue till the auctioning is done.

“Stopping mining would cause loss to the state exchequer as well as to the workforce linked to the mining industry, he claimed.

D’Souza said that MLAs from constituencies in the mining belt would be heading soon-to-be-formed committees to be tasked with assessing losses caused to individuals and companies linked to mining trade.

“The MLAs heading these committee will be assessing the loss. And welfare schemes started by the Goa government, when mining was first banned in 2012, will be extended to ensure that there is no panic,” D’Souza said.

The schemes involved financial doles to owners of truck used to ferry iron ore.

On Tuesday, three MPs from Goa, including Union Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Naik, met BJP President Amit Shah and Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari (Shipping) and Narendra Singh (Mines) to urge for a solution to the mining imbroglio, which the Goan lawmakers claim will impact the livelihood of over one lakh people.

–IANS
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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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