Goa Foundation, through its counsel Norma Alvares, had made a representation that the district mineral foundations have too much representation from the mining industry in the state which is hampering rehabilitation work.
The High Court of Bombay at Goa seems to agree.
The bio-data of the members of the North Goa Foundation “shows that this apprehension cannot be said to be unwarranted.” the court stated, adding, “Apart from having no legal sanctity, the present group does not inspire confidence that these members have any expertise or drive to achieve the goals of the district minerals foundation”.
The state government, through its advocate general Dattaprasad Lawande, informed the court that it is in the process of forming a trust.
Adv Lawande also stated that the North Goa District Mineral Foundation has released `50.3 lakh and South Goa foundation `49.7lakh and that details would be placed on record in an attidavit.
The High Court pointed out that the two district mineral foundations lack legal sanctity as they were not registered as trusts, adding that it was concerned about the credentials of the members of the two foundations.
The court also directed the existing office-bearers of the “so-called’’ district mineral foundations not to take any decision or have any authority to deal with the funds of the foundations.
Till further orders, both the district collectors will supervise the work of the foundations, where secretaries who are ex-officio members of the state government, will coordinate with the district collectors to achieve the object of the foundations laid down in the Rules of 2016 and as contemplated in the MMDR Act 1957 and to spend the available amounts.
By giving this task to the collectors, the court stated that it trusts they will make the two foundations more efficient till a legal substitute is put in place, while the secretaries will look after the daily work of the foundations.
Also, in a bid to bring in transparency, the High Court has directed that the government create a website for the district mineral foundations within two months from October 17.
“The website shall contain all the necessary details relatable to the task the district mineral foundations are to perform” the court stated, even as it pointed out that the very objective of the foundations indicated that they were set up for a social and charitable purpose.

CCP OVERRULED ON DONA PAULA RENOVATION

Residents of Dona Paula, dreading the up coming renovation of the popular Dona Paula jetty, should pay attention. The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), in conjunction with Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd (IPSCDL), says it will consult local residents and the vendors at the Dona Paula Jetty while formulating plans to renovate the dilapidated jetty.
Officials from several departments deliberated over the closure of the jetty and the road map for its closure, when they met at the North Goa collectorate on Wednesday. This is the third meeting within a month to decide on the jetty’s fate.
At the last meeting. CCP had pointed out that the jetty was a popular tourist spot and had suggested repair work in three phases. The suggestion apparently was shot down by IPSDCL officials.
Sources said IPSCDL officials rejected the suggestion to repair the jetty in a phased manner and IPSCOL chief executive officer Swayandipta Pal Chaudhuri said, ”The smart city mission will start the work only after the jetty is completely cordoned off and closed down”.
Officials from captain of ports, CCP, IPSCDL, police, the Tourism Department and PWD were present for the joint meeting, along with additional collector for North Goa, Vikas Gaunekar.
“This is not an optional decision or a luxury but a matter of safety for vendors, tourists and locals who visit the jetty’, Chaudhuri said. He added that while IPSCDL would focus on repair and reconstruction of the jetty, and after consultation with the vendors and residents, would assist with the shifting of vendors, the administrative decision to close down the jetty had to be taken by by the North Goa collector and CCP.
A temporary location will have to be identified for the relocation of the vendors.

DESPERATE MEASURES?

As the BJP struggles to find a replacement for Parrikar, the Congress has its own woes.
Fear of losing more MLAs to the BJP’s poaching attempts reportedly forced the Congress to go to the extent of cloistering themselves at a Candolim-based resort owned by former Congress MLA Agnelo Fernandes.
There were strong indications that both the GFP and BJP, not content with seducing Sopte and Shirodkar, are trying to further reduce Congress numbers and are in touch with at least four more of their MLAs.
Shocked by the developments, the party swung into damage control mode and decided to protect its flock by literally staying together. Perhaps realising this was like locking the stable door after the horses had bolted, the impromptu hotel-arrest reportedly ended after two days.