The Goa Su-Raj Party [GSRP] as well as its parent organization the 'Goa
Environmental Action Group' [GEAG] have had apprehensions about Goa's interest
in promoting the SEZ culture. When Goa Su-Raj Party released it 'Road Map for
Goa' in August, 2005, the issue of SEZs in Goa figured in its content under
Chapter XXIII [10] - Essential New Facilities. When the call was given by
Matanhy Saldanha for a concerted opposition to the setting-up of 18 SEZs in
Goa, Goa Su-Raj Party did not have to think twice about being part of this
opposition. Goa Su-Raj Party was part of the delegation that met with the Chief
Minister, Mr. Digamber Kamat at his official residence at Altinho Panjim a few
days ago represented by its Gen. Secretary Mr. Floriano Lobo. Mr. Lobo has
reminded Mr. Kamat that since the Union Commerce and Industry Minister Mr.
Kamalnath has gone on record to say that quote if Goa does not want SEZs, then
these shall not be forced on it" unquote and since the Government of Goa is
with the wishes of the people, there should be no problem in keeping SEZs out
from Goa. We however take the liberty to abstract what we have said in the
'Road Map for Goa' about SEZs in Goa.
10. Special Economic Zone: [SEZ]
The setting up of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Goa is sought to be bull-dozed
by the present Government and the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry [GCCI].
No doubt, this is an important facility that can see the absorption of a lot of
skills and talent in Goa. However, this party has severe reservations on this
account which are also the reservations of many a thinking and concerned Goans.
We shall list these reservations as under:-
a.. SEZ must be profitable to Goa. In the past, ventures have been set-up to
deplete Goa's resources and have vanished into thin air leaving a bad taste in
our mouths.
b.. Government must decide the type of units that shall be allowed to be
set-up and by whom.
c.. Employment scope for sons of the soil.
d.. Viability of the SEZ for being a 'Country within a Country' with respect
to State and Central laws, rules and regulations.
e.. Land requirement and the necessary infrastructure development within the
SEZ.
f.. If the SEZ status, once set-up, shall be permanent or semi-permanent. If
it is the later, Goa could be used by multinationals to make hay while the sun
shines and left holding the baby when they decide to shift their operations,
and,
g.. We do not see any time limits for the approver to accept or reject
applications.
This Party has taken care to study the SEZ Bill and has noted with alarm that
there is no provision made anywhere at all for time-limits for the Approval
Committee to accept or to reject proposals from entrepreneurs. The apprehension
of this Party is that since most of the appointments on this Approval Committee
shall be made by the Central Government, there could be a devastating effect if
this Committee is not bound by time-limits. Prospective entrepreneurs could be
made to run from pillar to post until certain palms are greased. In this case,
the fears of this Party are that genuine non-resident GOANS [NRGs] and local
entrepreneurs shall be the ones who will lose out.
The Goa Government is cautioned not to rush hap-hazardly into setting-up of the
SEZs in Goa before the apprehensions in the minds of the people of Goa are
dispersed and before putting down the Government policy on inviting the types
of industries that shall absorb the unemployed of Goa. Besides, the Goa
Government must actively pursue the idea of contacting NRIs and NRGs
individually and convince them that investing in Goa is in their interest. If
this is not done, this party will not support this scheme as it will be
destructive to Goa's interests.
End.
The last line makes it very clear why GSRP and GEAG are in the fight to oppose
SEZs in Goa. The reason is amply clear. GOANS HAVE LOST OUT as apprehended.
Goa is going to the highest bidder.
If the Central Government turns around and tells our gutless CM that Goa has no
option but to accept them, we are amply confident that our CM will buckle down
and be floored. Let the CM decide now, while the going is good, whether he has
to fortify himself with enough vitamin tablets so he can stand up and face the
centre's dictates which are sure to be pro-SEZs. The general understanding is
that "Goans have cooled down. Now we can go ahead with our agenda" . No Mr. CM.
Goa will go up in flames and you will be the bon-fire.
Whether the Centre likes it or not. Whether the Supreme Court likes it or not.
Goa will not have SEZs on Centre's terms. We are already holding one baby in
our hands which we never wanted. "Tata's Real Estate Project on the Betim hill
slopes which is the eye sore and for which Pratapsing Rane has escaped scot
free. NO MORE.
floriano
goasuraj.
