November 14, 2007 Member-Secretary, Board of Approvals, Special Economic Zone, Ministry of Commerce, Udyog Bhavan, New-Delhi-110011
Sir, People's movements against SEZs in various parts of Goa, namely Keri, Pernem, Sancoale, Loutolim, Verna and Quitol, supported by various NGOs like Goa Bachao Abhiyan, Jagrut Goem and Council for Social Justice & Peace, have come together under the banner of SEZ VIRODHI MANCH to unitedly and collectively ensure that the people's will, unambiguously expressed through gram sabha resolutions against SEZs in various villages where SEZs are earmarked, is respected and implemented by the state Government. We also take the opportunity to draw your attention to the fact that an FIR has been filed with the Goa police against Goa Industrial Development Corporation for the flouting of rules and procedures in the allocation of land in Phase IV of the Verna Industrial Estate to private SEZ developers. On his last visit to Goa, the Central Commerce Minister Shri Kamal Nath, has gone on record to publicly state that "The Government can revoke permission and scrap any SEZ if people do not want it." He further made it abundantly clear that the government will not hesitate to intervene even after work on the SEZ has begun and all necessary permissions granted. He said "If people don't want it, it will not go ahead." In the light of the above circumstances, and the clearly expressed decision of the people through gram sabha resolutions, the present prevailing public outcry and numerous memorandums submitted to the Chief Minister against SEZs, we request you to please refrain from notifying any SEZs in Goa and in fact, forthwith withdraw all approvals for SEZs in Goa. Looking forward to your action in the matter, Yours truly, For SEZ Virodhi Manch sd/- Charles Fernandes Co-Convenor
