Panji, Oct 20 (TNN): Goa's GSDP (gross state domestic product) would suffer a shortfall to the tune of 8,703 crore in 2012-13 and the estimated shortfall in SORR (state own revenue receipts) would be 1,326 crore in 2012-13, a desktop research on the impact of the mining ban on the economy of the state has revealed.

The desktop research was conducted by professors of the Goa institute of management (GIM), Sakhali.

The GIM research also revealed that while in constant prices, mining contributed merely 5.25% (2011-12Q) to the economy, in current prices it contributed around 17.65% (2011-12Q) to the economy of Goa. "Mining, like tourism in Goa, not only has a direct impact on the economy but also has an indirect impact on the economy through its multiplier effects. However, there is no conclusive estimate regarding the impact of mining ban on Goa's economy, employment and on the major sectors," the research stated.

The findings were made public at a round table conference on Saturday. The conference was moderated by Satish Shetye, vice-chancellor, Goa University

Said Sunil Rai, director, GIM, "There are a lot of other factors which need to be deliberated upon and discussed; such as the impact of mining and the ban on the environment, social fabric of the state, the aspirations of the people and largely the economic image of Goa. This roundtable discussion aimed to throw light on these issues."

P K Mukherjee, president of the mineral foundation of Goa and also the managing director of Sesa Sterlite, lamented that mining is a highly-regulated industry in Goa and that there are about 50 laws to comply with.

"High regulation breeds corruption and invites fly-by-night operators in the industry," Mukherjee said.

He also lamented that NGOs opposed to mining are neither covered under the RTI nor are their accounts open to public scrutiny.