Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (MB)
from special correspondent

Panaji, Aug 28: The BJP has demanded that Goa should not allow more than two special economic zones (SEZs) in the state, in order that the 'demographic invasion' could be arrested.

"Goa has already notified two SEZs… We don’t want more as it would result in forced migration in the state which will stress the infrastructure further," leader of opposition Manohar Parrikar told reporters here.

Citing the replies tabled by the state government on the floor of the house, Parrikar said that the state should put ceiling on any further SEZs in the state which needs huge chunk of landmass and power.

The official figures revealed that Goa has recognized two SEZs. Seven SEZs, including two which are recognized, are approved by the union government while another eight proposals are pending in Delhi which sum to 15 such exclusive zones in the state.

Banking on the official documents, Parrikar disclosed that 98 lac square metres of land is already allotted by the state government for SEZs while procedure for allotting additional 1.27 crore square metres is in the pipeline.

"The land is sold to the companies at cheap price by ministers by striking underhand dealings," the leader of opposition alleged.

"This land amounts to twice the land allotted by government to industrial development in last 44 years," he added.

Of the total SEZ proposals, seven are Information technology or ITES, three bio-tech, one pharma, one research, two gems and jewellery and one food park, he said.

The BJP leader, again citing the state assembly reply, stated that the state government has not done any study on how many IT students are unemployed in the state. "Without such a study or figures, it is natural that we will be inviting workforce from outside thus creating a stress on the infrastructure,’’ Parrikar alleged.

"A total 3.12 lac vacancies will be created in all the SEZs while Goa’s unemployment figures are much lesser," the former chief minister stated.

On the power front, he said that all the SEZs will require 350 Mw electricity. "From where will such a huge requirement be fulfilled,’’ he questioned.