Rajnath forms panel on SEZs

Special Correspondent

It has been asked to submit its views within 15 days 

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Not opposed to the concept of SEZs: BJP
They should be special, not created in hundreds
Farmers should have a stake in the developmental activity
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Rajnath Singh

NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party president Rajnath Singh on Wednesday constituted a committee to look into the issue of special economic zones (SEZs)

The committee will be chaired by M. Venkaiah Naidu, and have the former Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vijay Kapoor, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Kirit Somiaya, Kishan Singh Sangwan and Vinod Pandey as members. It has been asked to submit a report within 15 days.

Party spokesperson Prakash Javadekar told reporters that the BJP was not opposed to the concept of SEZs as a means for promoting exports and increasing the competitiveness of Indian products.

Such zones must be "special" and could not be created in hundreds by acquiring prime agricultural land. The displaced farmers should be given market value compensation, he said.

http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/28/stories/2006092821011400.htm