PAC to also indict those Goa miners having power of attorney'

PANAJI: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report on illegal mining in Goa, would also indict those, who are running the mines after procuring the power of attorney from the original mine owner, a senior official said today.

PAC Chairman Manohar Parrikar said that the responsibility of illegal mining lies with the original mine owner as well as with those who are running the mines after taking power of attorney.

"Both will be held responsible, if they are found to be indulging in illegal mining or involved in any illegalities," Parrikar said.

The report by the state-appointed PAC, which is likely to have in-depth investigation of the illegal mining cases in the state, will be tabled in the House either on October 5 or October 7.

Parrikar further said that the report would not name any anyone, unless and until any direct evidence is established through the available documents.

"PAC will not deviate from the data, other than the certified documents submitted by the government departments or collected through witnesses," he said, adding that even in case of witnesses, they should provide evidences which are beyond doubt.

PAC is investigating into the findings by the Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG), who had pointed out that during the 2004-06 fiscal, 10.9 million metric tonnes of iron ore was dispatched by evading royalty.

The Congress party, on the other hand, has expressed doubts over the PAC report claiming that Parrikar has been leaking the contents of the report and has formed it with biased mind.

However, when asked, Parrikar said that the report cannot be biased, as it is dependent on the facts submitted by the government departments.

He said that all the members, including those from Congress, have been invited for the meetings, but few remained habitually absent from the meeting.