From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Oct 7: The anti special economic zone (SEZ) activists today alleged that Goa government's move to hold talks with SEZ promoters for giving them alternate land to set up industry is an attempt of backdoor entry.
"This is an attempt for backdoor entry. We will not tolerate this. We warn the central and state government that they should not cheat people of Goa," SEZ virodhi Manch (SVM), state's prominent group, has said.
The group had put up their strong resentment against K Raheja corporation's project at Verna industrial estate, 20 kms away from here.
The reaction stems from recent statement by senior congress leader Shantaram Naik disclosing that the chief Minister Digamber Kamat will meet three SEZ promoters to discuss alternate land proposal to set up industry (not SEZ).
Naik had quoted a meeting with union commerce minister Kamal Nath in which the union minister had said that Goa chief minister will discuss the proposal with them. Three notified SEZ developers, which are pending de-notification, participated in the meeting.
"We strongly condemns the statements of the Union Commerce Minister, Kamal Nath who wants Goa government to allow developers of three notified SEZs to set up some other industry on the land allotted to them," SVM's convenor Charles Fernandes reacted.
He said that since October 22, 2007, complaints were filed at various Police Stations, against the fraud of the process of application and approval of SEZs.
"Time and again, the SVM has used documents procured (under RTI) from the GIDC to uncover the illegal and immoral scam of the SEZs in Goa," Fernandes said adding that no action has followed the complaints.
Fernandes said that the state government should not enter into any deal with any of the developers who have committed illegal acts to get their SEZs approved or notified.
"On the contrary, the SEZ promoters should also face the penalty and punishment for subverting and manipulating the laws of the land," he said.