*Goa Bachao Abhiyan* C/o 77, Defence Colony, Alto Porvorim-Goa
[email protected] *7th Dec 2015* Goa Bachao Abhiyan condemns the utterly misguided remarks made by MLA's against the efforts of Goa Foundation at using the law as laid down by the constitution of India for protection of its environment. Our constitution states that it is the duty of every citizen to protect their environment. Goa Foundation files its reply in the Supreme court today within the framework of the law. Using the words 'Anti-National' in an effort to slander Claude Alvares of Goa Foundation is an effort to divert attention from the issue of governance and mining. The CM is keen to conduct 'an inquiry' into Goa Foundation's Funds, leaving aside the more pressing issue of recovery of Rs. 35,000/- crores looted by the mining lobby as pointed out in the Shah report. This money would have taken care of the state expenditure of 9,000+ crores per year including closing of the state debt, which works out to Rs. 1 lakh per individual. It could also have been utilized to help the mining dependent people. The GBA asks the same ministers why they refuse to allow auctioning as the best way to get value for mineral wealth of Goa, instead, renewing leases to the same defaulters, in total violation of Supreme Court Orders. Goa has lost 50,000/- crore over the last 8 years by way of giving away 95% profit of sales of state mineral wealth, mostly to a few families, keeping only 5% for the state. The state should have kept 100%. If our Government had acted in 'State' and 'National' interest, each man, woman and child of Goa would receive Rs. 10,000/- per year today on application of the Goenchi Mati fund. The GBA asks why the CM ignores the Goenchi Mati fund which simply put, is keeping all Goa's profits from her mineral wealth in a manner of fixed deposit and using a portion of yearly interest for actual development and individual well being for its citizens. This concept is already used to advantage by countries like Norway. It is ironical that a government that often blatantly creates anti national and anti people policies casts aspersions on Goa Foundation who is working for public interest. Sabina Martins -Convenor Reboni Saha - Secretary
