from daijiworld's special correspondent

Panaji, Feb 14: Goa chief minister Pratapsingh Rane has asserted that the state will not allow any Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in its farmlands.

"Whatever SEZs are planned fall in the barren and rocky patches, which cannot be used for any other purpose," Rane told reporters here.

The state is in the midst of a political controversy over SEZs with the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanding to put on hold all SEZ proposals.

The union government had approved four SEZs in the state, which were later put on hold. The BJP had charged that the government had applied for nine more SEZs. "As per my knowledge, we have not sought nine more SEZs. There may be four to five more," Rane said.
 
He said the SEZs were envisaged considering employment generation requirements in the state. Pointing out to the gems and jewellery SEZ in the remote Sattari taluka, he said such industries are pollution-free and will employ the locals.