Citizens’ Research Collective on SEZ

Goa, November 19, 2007: Industrialists are mighty chafed by the Goa government’s delaying tactics over developing SEZs. They fear it will put off potential investors. Earlier the state had sought permission to set up 15 non-polluting zones, mostly catering to IT and ITeS sectors.

The Centre has given permission to develop seven SEZs, while permission for the remaining eight is being processed.

However, due to public outcry against such zones, the state has put on hold its permission granted for the eight zones. Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, who has been facing a raging throng, has assured that he will take a serious look at all approved SEZs to know the possibility of having such zones in Goa.

Kamat plans to take up the matter with senior cabinet members in Delhi before taking a final decision on establishing the zones in the state. But first he wants to visit other states to find out if they are actually creating jobs for locals.

Meanwhile, the SEZ Virodh Manch, an amalgamation of Goa Bachao Abhiyan, has given ultimatum to CM to stop ongoing work on SEZs by November 17.

The careless policy of the government has raised doubts about its sincerity in developing industries in the state. “Goa has no investment policy. Governments in the past five years have supported SEZs for creating jobs. How can it suddenly become baneful for the state?” asked Nitin Kunkolieker, president of Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Source: Project Monitor