Centre fixes rehab onus on SEZ developer

PTI[ WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2007 08:20:58 PM]

NEW DELHI: With SEZs becoming a political hot potato after killings in
Nandigram police firing, the Centre today announced changes in rules and
made developers solely responsible for rehabilitation of displaced persons.
"The developer (of special economic zones) shall make adequate provision
for rehabilitation of the displaced persons as per the relief and
rehabilitation policy of the state government," a Commerce Ministry
notification said.
The sudden change in rules by the Commerce Ministry, the nodal agency
for approving SEZs, has even preceded the finalisation of the
rehabilitation policy being worked out by the Ministry of Rural
Development.
The announcement comes on a day when leaders of UPA as well as Left
parties are meeting at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's residence.
Further, in a tightening measure to check speculation by real estate
players, the validity for 'in-principle' approval has been reduced from
three years to one year.
However, the validity for formal approval remains three years because
land possession is essential for getting the final nod from Board of
Approval in the commerce ministry.
The developer will have to show it possesses irrevocable rights over land.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/Economy/Policy/Centre_fixes_rehab_onus_on_SEZ_developer/articleshow/1790385.cms