October 07, 2008

Bengal CM calls for fresh look at SEZ policy

BS reported that, calling for a need to limit the number of sectors eligible for setting up special economic zones, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee chief minister of West Bengal said that the policy on the special economic zones requires a fresh look.

Mr Bhattacharjee, while speaking at the National Development Council meeting, said that “Industry groups to be covered under the scheme should be identified in the first instance instead of extending it to all and sundry.”

Mr Bhattacharjee’s statement comes against the backdrop of widespread unrest in West Bengal over land acquisition for industrial projects. Significantly, the state has 16 formally approved SEZs while an equal number have got in principle approvals. He also vouched for upper limit on the area of SEZs. Currently, there is a 5,000 hectare cap on the maximum area of the zones.

On the other hand, Mr Gopal Pillai union commerce secretary, while speaking at the India Economic Summit, recently said that the maximum area on the SEZs could be relaxed according to implementation of the new R&R policy and the amended Land Acquisition Act.