PANAJI | May 02, 2017: The newly registered Sadhana Multipurpose Co-operative Society from Caurem – Quepem, has urged the government to support the carrying out of mining activities in the villages of Caurem and Maina in Quepem taluka.

The members of the Sadhana Multipurpose Co-operative Society of Caurem – Quepem along with its chief promoter Ravindra Velip on Tuesday submitted a proposal to the government to carry out mining through the co-operative society formed by the villagers. The proposal was submitted to the assistant director of mines Neha Panvelkar as the director Prasnna Acharya was not present in the office.

In its proposal, the society has anticipated the government’s co-operation to work out the modalities and schedules for necessary action which includes transfer of all the leases in Caurem and Maina villages of Quepem taluka, to Sadhana Multipurpose Co-operative Society, granting powers to monitor and supervise the ongoing mining activities in their villages until the leases are transferred to them (or the present mining activities are stopped), in view of the blatant and uncontrolled illegal mining taking place presently.

"The village of Caurem is a tribal village and the resources of our village belong solely to us, including the lands on which the mining leases have been granted to mining companies. Our tribal lands have been usurped by these companies with the excuse that they have been given leases by the Government and by misusing the law to grab our ancestral lands. However, the time has come to stop all illegalities and inequities in the mining industry. We therefore look forward to your co-operation in bringing forth this exciting and promising change, which is inevitable, if we wish to bring real reform in the mining industry" the proposal reads.

The copy of the proposal is also marked to the Governor, Chief Secretary and the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs.

(Source: http://www.navhindtimes.in/)