CSJP on SEZs

SEZs are not viable in Goa
- By CSJP (Council of Social Justice and Peace)

Always alert to emerging socio-economic situations, especially in the State of Goa, the Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP) has been prompt in analyzing the impact of new developmental projects, with the assistance of relevant experts and often in collaboration with other concerned Agencies/Bodies.

In 1996, when the proposal was floated to establish a “Free Port” in Goa, this Body consulted widely with experts at even the international level and presented the findings at a Conference in Goa. The well informed and concerned participants asserted that a “Free Port” was not at all a feasible development for Goa.

The physical context of Goa has not changed since then. In fact the supply of basic amenities like water, roads and transport, electricity etc. for the bloating population in the State has deteriorated and citizens are suffering. Hence, when information of the intentions of the Government of India to approve Special Economic Zones (SEZ’s) in Goa was made known, even before the Government had received any SEZ proposals, in July 2005 the CSJP organised a Symposium in collaboration with other Bodies.

This event provided the Government and other interested Agencies the opportunity to present whatever information they had on the benefits of SEZ’s to Goa. Also experts, professionals and other interested citizens who participated in the symposium voiced their studied views. This exercise resulted in drawing up a realistic ‘balanced sheet’ on SEZ’s in Goa. The Government was forcefully cautioned about approving even one SEZ in Goa as it is clearly seen that they are against the interest of Goans.

Today, the facts and the questions that arise are:

The Regional Plan for Goa was so detrimental to sustainable development in Goa particularly in the aspect of JUDICIOUS LAND USE, that it had to be withdrawn in its entirety. The State of Goa is only 3,702 square kilometers in area. It needs to be accepted that this is meager land area. Only around 50,000 hectors of non agricultural land available for any spatial planning including the future needs of Goa for rural settlements for the ever increasing population, urbanization and sustainable (non polluting) industries. Are the People’s representatives (MLA’s) so naïve or so opportunistic that they permit new land - gobbling projects which are undeniably against the needs of and benefits for the majority of the common people?

A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a large insulated AUTONOMOUS territory, totally under the control of multi – rich market forces, with a Development Commissioner present as a facilitator. The bureaucracy cannot in anyway hinder functioning as all NOC’s are obtained by the DC of the SEZ. The exporter will need infrastructure like excellent road connectivity airport, sea port, telecommunication system. Hospitals, hostels, entertainment facilities, water and power facilities, adequate sanitation and sewerage system, etc., which naturally will be drawn from the State of Goa depriving the citizens of their basic needs. Is this justifiable?


Each SEZ requires 1,000 Hectares of prime land, (less for specific industries/activities) which will not be accessible to the common citizens. There will be very little land left for the people (aam admi) with few resources to develop for their need. Besides the prices will soar beyond the purchasing potential even of the middle-income group. Where in Goa will the citizens be able to live progressively? Are they not being denied their democratic rights?

It is stated that water and power facilities for a SEZ will not be under the auspices of the PWD or Electricity Department but under the Development Commissioner (D.C) of SEZ. From where is the D.C going to produce the huge amounts of water and power facilities that the SEZ will require, if not from the already depleted supply of Goa? The monsoons are the main source of recharging groundwater. Unfortunately Measures have not been taken by the Government to stop the 80% ‘run off’. If SEZ uses such large amounts of water from where will the citizens get water for their basic needs? Also the supply of electricity is insufficient/irregular. What practical solutions can the Authorities find, except by depriving the citizens of these essentials?

A SEZ requires 1,000 Hectares of land area which may be less if it is with a specific industry. The Industrial Estates in Goa, about 18, occupy an area of nearly 2000 hectares. The Units therein get subsidies, yet apparently run at losses, many are highly polluting. Some of them close down after the owners take all the advantages leaving the unfortunate workers bereft of everything. If successive Governments in Goa have failed to control this deplorable situation, what can people expect in the case of AUTONOMOUS SEZ’s?

A SEZ being autonomous under control of the industrialist who set up their businesses and skilled labour force being the requirement, the thousands of unemployed youth of Goa will hardly be found qualified and competent to compete for such employment. The inevitable influx of migrants will follow. For whose benefit are the SEZ’s being established if Goan unemployed youth will hardly get any employment?

Besides each SEZ Unit will get exemption from import duty and from any Tax including Service Tax. They will also be provided for a Direct Investment {FDI} and permitted to repatriate 100% profits to the parent company overseas. What economic benefits will the citizens of Goa get in this system?

With Goa having become a transport corridor from Kerala to Kashmir and other States, Goa’s roads do not have the carrying capacity and a critical situation has arisen in this respect. How can the high volume of transport for import/ export be absorbed in such a small State except by choking its rightful citizens?

The CSJP reiterates the demands of the people that Special Economic Zones are not all viable in Goa and cannot be accepted.