Kalam suggests setting up of three SEZs in Meghalaya

SHILLONG: President A P J Abdul Kalam has suggested setting up of three special economic zones (SEZs) in Meghalaya for Rs 2500 crore additional revenue to the state's kitty and creation of 25000 employment opportunities.

Kalam said this during his first power-point presentation to a state assembly here.

In his hour-long presentation, Kalam suggested creation of an sez in shillong for farming of herbal, aromatic and ginger varieties, leading to production of drugs and aromatic products for export.

Another sez could be located in a place that attracted tourists -- like one surrounded by waterfalls -- with a museum of tribal cultures along the lines of chhattishgarh, orchid floriculture farm and a science and technology park, he said.

The third one, Kalam said, could be centred around mining of special material and associated products.

According to Kalam, the sezs would attract pharmacy, biotechnology and hotel industries. In this regard, he also stressed the need for setting up of a full-fledged airport.

Kalam gave the MLAs a 'Mission for Meghalaya' consisting of seven points with agriculture, horticulture and floriculture topping the list.

The others were education and healthcare, water management, bamboo mission, tourism, establishment of pura (providing urban amenities in rural areas) for rural prosperity and sez.