Panaji: 2015 failed to bring smiles on the faces of the people of Goa who are dependent on the iron ore mining industry as there was no resumption of the activity which was banned in 2012.
The logjam between the truckers and Sesa Iron Ore company coupled with the reluctance on the part of others to resume mining left the people dependent on this industry in lurch for third year in a row.
The miners claim falling international prices as the reason behind their motive to go for cost cutting. The truckers disagree with the rate offered by the company to transport the ore.
The state government's constant intervention has also failed to solve the crisis.
As a result, the industry, which was hoping to see the light of day by 2015 end, is now looking at upcoming 2016 for resumption of activities.
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar has already announced that mining resumption is his New Year resolution.
2015 remained politically calm, though the upcoming year is expected to see parties indulging in politicking in a big way. Elections for the assembly has to be held before March 2017 but there are enough indications that these might be held in the fag end of 2016 or early 2017.
The Congress has announced that it would be more aggressive against the BJP-led government in the coming year.
Party leaders say there would be more street protests, and exposures of the government. The Congress says it will make people aware of the constant U-turn by BJP-led government on its 2012 election manifesto.
While mining industry failed to contribute much to state exchequer, the tourism industry too remained on tenterhooks though long weekends saw domestic tourists rushing to the beaches of the state.
A recent media report claiming that Russia has stuck off Goa from its list of safe destinations and clarification offered to it within hours indicated how the coastal state has pinned its hope on the former USSR nation to increase footfalls.
Russia has clarified that Goa has been a safe destination for its travelers.
Tourism industry players, however, say that the footfalls from Russia may not be as much as in the past due to several factors. At the fag end of this year, Goa saw its renowned singer Remo Fernandes embroiled in a controversy after a 17-year-old girl told police that he verbally abused her.
The girl was being treated in the state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital. Remo, who is in Europe, has denied the charges. A look-out notice has been issued against him. The singer's lawyer told investigators that he would be available for questioning after January 8.
During investigation, police found that Remo has surrendered his Indian citizenship and became a Portuguese national.
"We have confirmed that Remo has already surrendered his Indian passport and taken Portuguese nationality due to which we will have to issue him summons through the embassy," Inspector Jivba Dalvi told PTI.
The officer, however, said police did not know when Remo surrendered his citizenship as he is currently touring Europe.
In the football crazy state, local team FC Goa lost the ISL finals 2-3 to Chennaiyian FC at Fatorda, leaving fans heartbroken.
But what was given more media space was the alleged verbal abuse by Chennaiyian captain Elano Blumer against FC Goa co-owner Dattaraj Salgaoncar. Elano was arrested by Margao police and was bailed out before he left the country. FC Goa later came up with several tales of attack post match.
The annual International Film Festival of India (IFFI) saw the screening of 384 films and participation of 540 national and 280 international directors, actors, producers and technicians including Oscar Academy members and Hollywood experts but big names were missing this year and Anil Kapoor, A R Rahman and Resul Pookutty were the only popular faces seen.
