Goa to review SEZ policy
Goa Government would review its special economic zone (SEZ) policy taking into consideration advantages and disadvantages of setting up tax-free commercial enclaves and opposition from certain quarters.
By PTI |
PANAJI: Goa Government would review its special economic zone (SEZ) policy taking into consideration advantages and disadvantages of setting up tax-free commercial enclaves and opposition from certain quarters.
"Whatever decision (on SEZ) is taken, it will be reasonable and in Goa's interest," state Chief Minister Digamber Kamat told PTI when asked about the SEZ issue which was raised by the opposition BJP in the run-up to the by-poll in Mormugao Lok Sabha constituency last month.
"The government is seized of the matter and we are reviewing the SEZ policy."
Goa has two notified SEZs while 13 are at different stages of administrative approval between the Centre and the state government.
BJP has been vehemently opposing SEZs in Congress-ruled Goa, saying they would ruin the demography of the tiny coastal state which has a population of around 1.3 million.
"After taking over as the CM, when I came across files of eight SEZs, I decided that we will have to review the policy," said Kamat, who took office in June.
"I had later put all the proposals on hold," he said, adding the government will have to think whether 15 SEZs are feasible for the state whose economy is largely dependent on tourism.
Kamat said he had even initiated discussions with Union Commerce Minister Kamal Nath on the Goa SEZs.
The Chief Minister said he would visit some functional SEZs in the country before taking any final decision on the sensitive matter.
"Whatever decision (on SEZ) is taken, it will be reasonable and in Goa's interest," state Chief Minister Digamber Kamat told PTI when asked about the SEZ issue which was raised by the opposition BJP in the run-up to the by-poll in Mormugao Lok Sabha constituency last month.
"The government is seized of the matter and we are reviewing the SEZ policy."
Goa has two notified SEZs while 13 are at different stages of administrative approval between the Centre and the state government.
BJP has been vehemently opposing SEZs in Congress-ruled Goa, saying they would ruin the demography of the tiny coastal state which has a population of around 1.3 million.
"After taking over as the CM, when I came across files of eight SEZs, I decided that we will have to review the policy," said Kamat, who took office in June.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I had later put all the proposals on hold," he said, adding the government will have to think whether 15 SEZs are feasible for the state whose economy is largely dependent on tourism.
Kamat said he had even initiated discussions with Union Commerce Minister Kamal Nath on the Goa SEZs.
The Chief Minister said he would visit some functional SEZs in the country before taking any final decision on the sensitive matter.
Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
Download
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
