SEZ out of question in Goa: Parrikar

Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in Goa are "out of question" now, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said Thursday, adding that over 38 lakh square metres of land given to seven SEZ promoters would be taken back.

Parrikar was speaking in the Goa legislative assembly, which holding its budget session.

"The government's stand is clear. Land will be used for industrial purposes (by the Goa government's industries department) only. The land cannot be given for SEZs anymore. SEZ is out of question now," Parrikar said. The state government is in the process of finalising its affidavit on the subject to be filed before the Supreme Court May 3.

"The intention of the government is to take the notified land back and hand it over to the industries department for promoting industries in the state," Parrikar said.

After a public outcry and several protests through 2006-08, the Congress government in Goa at the time had decided to scrap seven land-intensive SEZs and withdraw the state SEZ policy.

After the scrapping of the SEZ policy, the fate of the 38 lakh square metres of land which was earmarked for the zones is now in limbo.

Three of the seven SEZs were already notified by the trade and commerce ministry and its secretary at the time G.K. Pillai. Their de-notification was ruled out because there was "no such provision in law".