PANAJI: Stating that the government is in the process of framing rules for ensuring recovery of royalty and export of iron ore, the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat on Friday said that a meeting would soon be held with the iron ore exporters to set procedures for permitting export and also to ensure that the ship crew, exporters or the port authorities did not face any hurdles.

Responding to a query on the hardship faced by the exporters, ship crew and others especially in obtaining no-objection certificates, etc from government officials on Saturdays and Sundays and other holidays when the offices of mining department are closed, he said that he has received a letter from the chairman of the Mormugao Port Trust on the matter and that a mechanism was being worked out to sort the issue and government officials would be posted soon to overcome
the problem.

As regards to the formation of twelfth taluka in the state, Mr Kamat said that unless areas of the proposed Dharbondora taluka were carved out he would not make any statement. He also said that there was nothing on the issue before the cabinet and added that feasibility for forming the new taluka would be worked out. He ruled out pressure on him for leaving aside areas of Sattari taluka.

Replying to another query on the whereabouts of David Benaim alias Atala, he said that he and the Home Minister, Mr Ravi Naik have sought a report from the police, who are looking out for him. He, however, said that the police have already interrogated him and recorded his statement.