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What are SEZ''s?
Special Economic Zones or
SEZ''s are self governing, autonomous
industrial township, to be set up by the Central / State Government or any
other person or Company, who will be known as the "Developer".
The laws of the State will not apply to SEZ''s, which will be under the
control of a Central Development Commissioner. SEZ''s are also exempt from local
tariffs and taxes, hence local Panchayats and the State Government will lose
revenue from lands that have been allotted as SEZ''s.
What are the
implications of SEZ''s for the state?
The SEZ
developers will not be bound by the laws of the state
governing real estate (TCP, PDA, Panchayat / Municipality regulations). In Goa
in fact, the authorities have granted SEZ developers an FAR of 150% while
ordinary citizens like us in villages have to manage with just 80% FAR.
Why are Goans opposing
SEZ''s?
SEZ developers have in their applications stated that a work force
of around 3 lakh people will come in Goa along
with their families. Our roads, water & power supply, garbage management
facilities are already crumbling and will not be able to sustain around 8 to 10
lakh people who will come into Goa as a result of SEZ''s. In Verna
Industrial Estate, every factory has sunk borewells, while the Government gas
turned a blind eye. The springs and wells are drying.
Since the laws of Goa do not apply to SEZs, it will be very
difficult for Goans to stop manufacturing processes from all over the world
being undertaken in these SEZs, which might pollute our water, air and
environment and destroy Goa for our future generations.
SEZs were conceptualised for big states having plenty of cheap
labour and barren land. Goa has neither.
SEZ is not suitable for Goa.
Will Goans get
employment from SEZs?
Despite the Government''s promises, have
Goans got decent employment from
industries estates? Why are Goan
villages filled with migrant workers? Why have Goans become a minority in their
own land? The Government has not bothered to find out what industries
would suit the profile of the Goan work force. Goan youngersters,
especially first generation learners are not being trained to fill positions in
existing industry. Breaks in service and poor salaries offered by
existing industries only suit migrants from undeveloped states of India, who
can live 8 to 10 in a room, using public taps and toilets for their washing and
bathing purposes.
Why were citizen of Goa forced to lodge an FIR against the GIDC Board?
Citizens of Goa were forced to
lodge an FIR against the GIDC Board because large tracts of Goan land were
practically gifted to SEZ developers without following the rules and
procedures. Details and proof of the alleged illegalities have been given
to the police in the FIR that has been filed.
What can you as a
Goan do under these circumstances ?
As a Goan you can raise your voice against SEZs by attending
meetings that are going to be held in various villages and the main rally on
December 14th, 2007, at 4 p.m. on Lohia Maidan, Margao to add your voice of
protest so that the Government withdraws the SEZ policy for Goa.
This is Published by SEZ Virodhi Manch and was
distributed to all
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