Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (mb)
from special correspondent

Panaji, Jan 4: The union government would not thrust upon Goa any SEZ against the wishes of the State and its people, according to an assurance given to a Goan delegation led by state chief minister Digamber Kamat. Others in the delegation which met union commerce minister Kamal Nath in New Delhi on Thursday included Rajya Sabha member Shantaram Naik and state's chief secretary  J P Singh.

Kamal Nath has asked the CM to give a representation in writing, stating the grounds for seeking denotification, which the Commerce Ministry would examine.

The minister was of the view that no SEZ could function if the state government and its people were against it, and therefore, ground realities are relevant in such matters.

According to a statement issued by MP Shantaram Naik,  an authority which had power to issue a notification has also inherent power to withdraw it and that no specific provision would be required for the purpose.
   
He also said that there was no need of amending any provision of SEZ Act 2005, and besides, such amendments do not apply retrospectively.

Naik said that a notified SEZ cannot claim any compensation as, it is a known principle that one who seeks equity has to come with clean hands. The notified SEZ applicants have misrepresented facts regarding requirement of land, environmental hazard, employment potential etc and they cannot seek any relief from the state government.

Naik further said that if public interest required that SEZ should be scrapped, then the government had to accord top priority to the public interest.