Khandeparkar panel on mining needs to submit report early: Congress

Panaji: The Congress in Goa has questioned the delay over submission of report by Justice RMS Khandeparkar Committee, formed by the state government to further probe the recommendations of the Shah Commission on illegal mining.

"The functioning of any committee should be time-bound. Let them work day and night because there is an urgency in the matter," Francisco Sardinha, working president, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee told reporters on Tuesday.

Sardinha said the committee needs to submit its first report as early as possible as it is concerned with people's daily bread. "Give the first report and if there is more to be probed then you can continue with it," the Congress leader demanded.

The Manohar Parrikar-led BJP government had appointed Khandeparkar Committee headed by the retired High Court Judge after Shah Commission pointed out several illegalities in state's mining sector.

The Committee, constituted a year back, is yet to submit any report to the state government.

Mining activity in Goa came to a halt after a directive from the Supreme Court, which took cognizance of Justice MB Shah report.