Goa says no to SEZs
A task force headed by Goa chief minister Digamber Kamat on Sunday recommended the scrapping of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the state, terming them “detrimental to the overall interest of Goa”.
By PTI |
PANAJI: A task force headed by Goa chief minister Digamber Kamat on Sunday recommended the scrapping of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the state, terming them “detrimental to the overall interest of Goa”.
“The intention of permitting SEZs is to reap the benefits of industrialisation and consequent employment generation. These can be served without SEZs (also) if incentives are extended to incoming industries,” internationally renowned architect and vice-chairman of the task force, Charles Correa, said while reading out the body’s resolution here.
“The required industrial development can be achieved if government focuses on providing excellent infrastructure in terms of roads, water and power to the incoming industrial units.”
The task force took into account the growing anti-SEZ sentiments in the state. However, it maintained silence on Rajiv Gandhi Habitat Project which has been opposed by locals terming it as a “real estate scam”.
The task force, comprising veteran architects including Mr Correa, Edgar Rebello, SP Deshpande, Dean D’cruz, Rahul Deshpande, Convener of Goa Bachao Abhiyaan Oscar Rebello, representative of Goa Chamber of Housing Industry Datta Nayak and representative of Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry Blaise Costa Bir, was set up to work out a regional plan, 2021, for Goa. The anti-SEZ movement in the state, which was initiated by BJP, was later joined by the Congress, the NCP and Catholic Church.
ADVERTISEMENT
Goa had received 15 applications from SEZ promoters to set up their shops in the state. Of these, seven were approved by the Centre while eight are pending approval. The government records reveal that of the seven approved, three SEZs, including M/S Meditab Specialities Pvt, M/S K Raheja Corporation Pvt and M/S Peninsula Pharma Research Centre Pvt are notified in the state.
The task force observed that Goa would not have a substantial revenue benefit by means of direct and indirect taxes through SEZs. “The state will have to incur expenditure to provide infrastructure outside the SEZ area such as roads and other services. Also, the state will be liable to provide for service such as water and power within an SEZ in case the developer fails to do so.
This would be an additional burden on the state exchequer,” the task force noted.
ADVERTISEMENT
Conceding the anti-SEZ agitators’ contention, the task force said the employment benefit from SEZs will not accrue largely to locals. With the task force's recommendation, it is likely that the state government may declare its intention to scrap SEZs in the state which have raked up a major controversy. Chief minister Mr Kamat had earlier clarified that he would comment on the issue in the first week of January after consulting all the alliance partners and other stakeholders.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
