Face to Face : Mangalore SEZ CEO Vs Locals
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (MM)
Mangalore, Jul 17: Dakshina Kannada district is the first place where locals have shown interest for the incorporation of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Karnataka is the first state in India to invest in it, said I S N Prasad, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SEZ Mangalore.
While speaking at the interaction meet on setting up SEZ held at Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) auditorium on Monday July 16, he said that the central will have an equity of 26% and state will invest an equity of 23% and KCCI will have an equity of 2%, he informed.
“On 12th of this month, the Union Sanctioning Authority has given formal approval status for Mangalore SEZ. A total of 1453 land has been recognized for the formal approval. 721 acres of land is already in the hands of SEZ. After acquiring the sufficient land, the SEZ will go to the Sanctioning Authority and ask for multi-product industries”, he said.
“At present, the approval is given for petrochemical industries. But we will have IT and textile industries. We are hoping to have truly a multi-product SEZ. Moreover, we will see to it that maximum employment would be generated in this regard. Hence, the state government has taken equity in it,” he clarrified.
“Today or tomorrow, D K district will industrialize rapidly even without SEZ. But the challenge is social and economic problems in this area. In the present situation, development is necessary. The only thing is, how balanced one can do it”, he opined.
“Discussion will be held with New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) authorities to invite them to become one of the equity holders in SEZ. Port has 300 acres of land so that the SEZ can plan for port related activities”, I SN Prasad informed.
“Employment will be given for at least one family member who is likely to render displaced. At the same time, 2 and half years of training will be provided for them at KPT. The chief objective of setting up SEZ will be that, it must serve the district and local people to achieve progress”, he clarified.
Hot Debate: Hot debate was held between I N S Prasad and likely displaced people when they took him into task regarding the ill treatment and issues related to compensation.
Suresh Shetty, Kateel Dinesh Pai, Upendra Hosabettu, Lawrence, Rony and others demanded justice for the land they are likely to sacrifice. At the same time, issues like ecological imbalance, infrastructures etc were raised before him.
Answering the questions of the displaced people, Prasad said, “Rs 8.5 lac will be paid for the land, Rs 21 lac for rehabilitation and resettlement. After carrying out the activities like road, electricity and other infrastructural facilities, the expenditure for every acre will go up to 55 to 60 lacs,” he said.
At the same time, I S N Prasad was requested to arrange for a public program to hear the grievances of the likely displaced.
KCCI office bearers Srinivas Kamath, Shekhar Poojary, M Ahmed Bava and SEZ Chief Operating Officer A G Pai were present on the dais.
Capt John Prasad Menezes, president, KCCI, welcomed the gathering. Kumble Narasimha Prabhu introduced the guest.