Citizens’ Research Collective on SEZ

Panaji, February 27, 2008 (PTI): Amidst mounting pressure from anti-SEZ groups, Goa chief minister Digamber Kamat on Wednesday said the state government’s stand on cancelling the special economic zones in the state remains unchanged.

“I have not received any formal communication from Board of Approval but as the things stand today our letter written to commerce ministry (seeking cancellation of SEZs) stands,” Kamat said after holding deliberations with anti-SEZ groups here.

Goa government’s proposal to scrap 12 SEZs and denotify three was discussed in the Board of Approval’s meeting on Monday, which had hinted at talks with SEZ promoters before taking a final call.

Emerging from the meeting, the chief minister refused to talk much on the issue citing that he is yet to receive a communication from the Centre. “I can’t comment on media reports. Let me get the communication first,” he said adding the state government’s stand on the issue remains the same. Kamat was under immense pressure from anti-SEZ groups, including Goa Movement Against SEZ (GMAS), which had threatened to revive its agitation if SEZs are not withdrawn. GMAS convenor Mathany Saldanha had said earlier that his organisation would launch a second phase of the agitation if the Board of Approval or Goa government fails to withdraw SEZs in the state.

“We will wait for couple of more days before deciding further action. Goa government is yet to receive a formal communication from the Centre on the issue,” Saldanha said.

Source: Financial Express