Panaji: Despite several mining companies as well as North Goa District Mineral Fund (DMF) ready to fund the lone graduate mining engineering programme in the state, the course has not found any takers this academic year too. The programme is offered at the state-run Goa Engineering College (GEC) at Farmagudi. It is the only programme at GEC with vacant seats.“It is not just the DMF, mining companies too are ready to fund the programmes, but students are yet to pick up on the renewed interest in the sector,” said an official.Admissions to the mining engineering programme at GEC had to be suspended in 2019 with a dip in enrolments following Supreme Court-mandated shutdown of local mining operations. Efforts have been under way at GEC ever since to reignite interest in the programme again.DMF had approved a Rs 1.6-crore scholarship scheme proposed by GEC to revive the programme. The scheme will provide scholarships to 10 students annually from mining-affected areas, covering four batches from the academic year 2026-27 to 2031-32.The scheme is meant to encourage students to opt for mining engineering in view of the anticipated expansion of mining activities in the state.Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana guidelines allow such financial assistance to students from mining-affected areas.Officials now feel that as the mining industry everywhere is picking up, the time is ripe to resume admissions to the programme at GEC again.“The department of mining engineering has infrastructure, laboratory facilities and a well-qualified faculty. Students may avail the financial assistance provided by govt for technical education. There is also sponsorship available from mining companies,” GEC officials said.The recent auctioning of the coal blocks and iron deposits has increased the chances of growth in the mining sector, including employability, officials felt.
