Goa cabinet gives nod to constitute sub-committee to examine SEZ

Panaji, Nov 15 (UNI) The Goa government today decided to constitute a cabinet sub-committee to study the demand for scrapping of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) following public uproar.

Briefing mediapersons here after the state cabinet meet, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said the committee consisting of four to five ministers would study the detailed report to be submitted by chief secretary on the issue within a month from now.

The chief secretary would submit his report within a fortnight to the cabinet sub-committee, which, he said, would examine all the factors before taking the final decision.

They would also examine the type of SEZs Goa needed and the category of employment they would generate, he said.

The cabinet also approved to amend Goa, Daman and Diu Preservation of Tree Act 1984 facilitating the deputy collectors to take appropriate decision to deal with the trees during emergency situations like natural calamities, Mr Kamat said.

Necessary funds would be made available with the authorities for the purpose, he said.

The cabinet also decided to go ahead with the proposed project at Bainginim in Old Goa despite the people's opposition to the location as they (people) fear it would impact the world heritage sites around.

UNI