By IANS,
Porvorim: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar Saturday announced a financial bonanza for those affected by the mining ban in the state on the anniversary of his government’s first year in power.
“Those families dependent on mining will get Rs.4,000. Those who have lost jobs due to the mining ban will get 50 percent of their salary,” Parrikar told reporters at the state secretariat in Porvorim.
The chief minister further said that a notification formalising the financial package would be issued on Monday.
Parrikar also said that owners of trucks, which were used to transport iron ore, would also be compensated.
“We will give Rs.8,000 for one truck and Rs.4,000 for an additional truck,” Parrikar said, adding that the package would be valid only for a year.
Mining has been banned for several months by the Supreme Court, which is hearing a petition on illegal mining filed by lawyer Prashant Bhushan.
According to the Goa government, over two lakh people have been rendered unemployed by the mining ban.