Govt indecisive on Special Anti-Money Laundering Cell August 30, 2012
SHWETA KAMAT [email protected] PANJIM: Goa government is in a dilemma over the formation of Special Anti- Extortion and Anti-Money Laundering Cell, which is mandatory as a part of Union Government directives. Considering the fact that there is no mining-related extremism or naxalite activity in Goa, the State Government has not taken any decision as yet. The formation of a cell is basically to have a check on extortion and money laundering in the mining business which can foster a nexus between illegal mining and forest contractors breeding extremism in these areas. Directorate of Mines and Geology has moved a proposal to Chief Secretary and Home Ministry for setting up of such a cell for Goa. Union Mines Ministry’s Central Coordination-cum-Empowered Committee (CEC) on Mineral Development and Regulation, in its quarterly meeting held in June, 2012, has directed all state governments including Goa to formulate such cell, immediately. The state governments are being requested to immediately furnish information on the setting up of cell to the ministry. Director of Mines Prasanna Acharya told Herald that the matter which was referred to the department by Chief Secretary’s office has been sent to state home ministry for further action. “The cell has not been formed. The matter has been referred to state home ministry,” he added. However, the government is indecisive on whether to form or not to form the cell as there is no mining related extremism or naxalism in Goa. A source from Secretariat stated that the state government is yet to take its stand on forming such a cell. “We will have to see whether we really require such a cell considering that fact that there is no mining related extremism or naxalism,” a senior official said, refusing to get quoted. An official said that the matter would be referred to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who will take a final call on the matter. “As far as we are concerned, the cell can be formed but we feel that it will have no work to do,” the official remarked. http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/Govt-indecisive-on-Special-Anti-Money-Laundering-Cell/63821.html
