India Sez Left Wants Central Model

SEZs: Left wants central model Special Correspondent NEW DELHI: Communist Party of

India National Secretary D. Raja on Wednesday vehemently opposed approval for setting up Special Economic Zones under the present State Governments Land Acquisition Acts. Mr. Raja said Left parties wanted a central model that States would follow to establish future SEZs. This would ensure that agricultural land is

not acquired and farmers are not displaced. Delivering a keynote address at the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) organised conclave on “SEZ: New Growth Propellers” here on Wednesday, Mr. Raja also announced that Left parties have demanded that the Government place a sectoral cap for SEZs to stop their mushroom growth. The central model demanded by the Left should have pro-

visions so that only barren, wasteful and unproductive land is acquired to set up future SEZs with a sectoral cap on them, Mr. Raja said. One particular sector should not have many SEZs at the cost of other sectors, he added. The CPI, Mr. Raja said, had taken up the issue with the board of approvals for SEZs that include the Prime Minister and the Commerce and Industry Minister.