Assocham seeks relook into state's stand on SEZ, nuclear power

Industry body, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham), has asked the West Bengal government to be more open towards special economic zones (SEZ) and nuclear power projects, while supporting the state’s stand on land acquisition.

“Our stand is the same as that of the West Bengal government. The industry can acquire land on their own. But the state has to come up with some sort of clarity and should play a facilitator’s role. I also believe that that special economic zones and industrial parks are needed here, not just because of tax benefits but looking into the development of the region,” said Dilip Modi, president, Assocham. The body also demanded the state be more focused on Naxal-hit areas for setting up such zones.

Meanwhile, D S Rawat, the chamber’s secretary-general has urged the government to shift focus to nuclear power as the availability of coal is a concern for the state.