SVM condemns Aleixo Sequeira for SEZ statement

Manch condemns Aleixo Sequeira for SEZ statement
TNN 11 November 2009, 05:11am IST
PANAJI: The SEZ Virodhi Manch has condemned the statements made by power minister, Aleixo Sequeira, that he is in favour of setting up a special economic zone in Goa.
"At a time when ruling and opposition MLAs, cutting across party lines, have denounced SEZs in the state, and moreover, when even the government, realising its folly, has scrapped SEZs and the SEZ policy for Goa, the vested interests of the MLA stand exposed, as he is one among the few legislators who are instrumental in the said fraudulent allotment of lands for SEZs in the state," convenor of the Manch, Charles Fernandes, alleged. "Today, people in the state know that SEZs are autonomous bodies comprising of not only industries, but also commercial spaces, multiplexes, residential complexes, etc, having their own labour laws, law and order, free from all taxes, including import and export duties, and above all, outside the jurisdiction of the local bodies and state government. Yet the MLA seems to be in favour of the SEZs, as he believes that the industries that were to come up, were IT industries, and hence non-polluting, which in turn would create employment not only for highly qualified, but also for youngsters who have only passed the SSC," Fernandes said. Fernandes questioned the MLA as to where the employment force of 2.85 lakh persons would come from. He said that 51 lakh litres of water per day and 135 KVA of power per day would be required by the SEZ companies at Verna alone. "People of the state demand to know how many local villagers and citizens of the state are employed in the industrial units at the Verna industrial estate? People form villages repeatedly complain to panchayats that garbage from industrial units is seen dumped at various places along the roads leading to the villages. Being the minister for environment, Sequeira is turning a Nelson's eye to the environment hazard. Surely, the MLA should do much more than merely forward representations received from the people to the respective departments," Fernandes said.

CM snubs Aleixo, rules out SEZs
TNN 10 November 2009, 05:25am IST
PANAJI: Chief minister Digambar Kamat on Monday said his government is clear on its special economic zones (SEZ) policy and that it would not welcome them in Goa. He was reacting to statements made by environment minister Aleixo Sequeira on Sunday favouring setting of SEZs in the state. Kamat dismissed Sequeira’s statement as “his individual opinion”. “The government policy is clear, and we have already communicated our stand to the Centre,” Kamat told TOI. Regarding Sequeira’s views on the subject, he added, “Some persons may have their individual views and whatever he (Sequeira) has said is just that.” Kamat categorically stated there is no question of a government rethink on the SEZ policy. “We cannot go on changing our stand,” the CM said.