No SEZs on farmlands: Rane

PTI[ TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2007 02:10:19 PM]

PANAJI: Goa Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane has asserted that the state
will not allow any Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in its farmlands.
"Whatever SEZs are planned fall in the barren and rocky patches, which
cannot be used for any other purpose," Rane told reporters here.
The state is in the midst of a political controversy over SEZs with the
main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanding to put on hold
all SEZ proposals.
The Centre had approved four SEZs in the state, which were later put on
hold. The BJP had charged that the government had applied for nine more
SEZs.
"As per my knowledge, we have not sought nine more SEZs. There may be
four to five more," Rane said.
He said the SEZs were envisaged considering employment generation
requirements in the state. Pointing out to the gems and jewellery SEZ in
the remote Sattari taluka, he said such industries are pollution-free
and will employ the locals.

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