Seems like the proposed charm offensive planned by SEZ promoters is working
already:
Residents okay Cipla unit at Keri sans SEZ status
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
PONDA, FEB 4 – In an unusual turnaround, residents of Keri (Ponda) on Sunday
resolved to allow the Cipla Pharmaceutical unit on Keri plateau, but on
condition that it would not enjoy the status of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
At a Gram Sabha presided over by Sarpanch Dr Videsh Jalmi, former sarpanch
Santosh Gaude highlighted the benefits to the village if Cipla was permitted to
set up its pharmaceutical unit, without the label of an SEZ, as notified by the
government.
“If it (Cipla) sets up a pharmaceutical plant without the need of an SEZ, then
all permissions and clearances would be sought from State authorities and the
local panchayat,” said Gaude.
“In this case, the local panchayat can put pressure on the company to employ
residents of Keri, besides providing other welfare schemes to the village.”
Gaude, however, claimed that company officials should be invited to a joint
meeting with residents, so that the company can spell out the different
benefits available to the village.
The 67 villagers present at the Gram Sabha accepted Gaude’s proposal. While
none of them voiced any objection to the proposal, a number of villagers, most
of whom did not attend the Gram Sabha, are still opposed to the project.
It may be recalled that the Central government had invited Meditab Specialities
Pvt Ltd (Cipla Group) to set up a pharmaceutical unit, as part of the SEZ, at
Keri.
However, residents had launched a strong agitation against the project and had
even forced construction workers and heavy machinery to leave the site.
At the Gram Sabha meeting, villagers also suggested that the panchayat should
curb the misuse of its funds while undertaking developmental works. They cited
instances where huge amounts of money were spent on roads and gutters in the
village.
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