Review all proposed SEZ projects'

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Our Bureau

Mumbai, Feb. 9

The BJP is seeking a complete re-screening of all the proposed 467 SEZ
projects in the country which have been cleared by the Union Government,
said Mr Kirit Somaiya, party leader and member of the BJP's National
Executive. He told presspersons that in the name of SEZs, the developers
are seeking clearances for private lands which have been reserved under
the Forest Act or Costal Regulation Zone Act. This is a fraudulent way
of acquiring land and the Union Government must further investigate the
matter. The SEZ developers and the Union Commerce Ministry are both
interpreting the SEZ Act as an overriding Act. However it must be kept
in mind that other Acts are also equally applicable, he said. Mr Somaiya
said that the BJP was not against SEZs but wanted transparency in
awarding and setting up the zones. There should be a healthy
rehabilitation policy and adequate compensation for people displaced by
the SEZ. In the case of SEZs for IT, the tax benefits which would be
terminated in 2008 should be extended by another five years, given the
vital role played by the IT industry in building the national economy,
he said.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/02/10/stories/2007021006881000.htm