Manch demands CBI probe against GIDC into SEZs scam

Panaji, Dec 14 (UNI) Even as the Government started reviewing the issue of Special Economic Zones to come out with a white paper on Monday, the SEZ Virodhi Manch today reiterated its demand for launching a CBI probe against the Goa Industries Development Corporation for a probe into the SEZ land allotment scam.

The Manch, a conglomerated of NGO's including the Church, had also demanded reverting lands allotted to the SEZs with immediate effect as Goa did not require the SEZs which could promote realtors.

Addressing a well attended rally at Lohia Maidan in Margao commercial city in South Goa represented by Chief Minister Digambar Kamat this evening, the Manch leaders maintained that the proposed SEZs were against the genuine interests of Goans and that they benefit outsiders.

Besides, the SEZs would drain already depleting resources of ground water, electricity and land, leave alone encouraging migrant labourers in large numbers changing demographic contours of the tourist state with attendent evils, the Manch leaders averred.

It might be recalled that the Chief Minister had today assured the people that the government was reviewing its decision on SEZs and decide soon as to whether they were required at all for Goa or not and if needed what kind of projects were needed to benefit Goans.

The government had already stopped ongoing works at the 7 SEZs notified out of 15 cleared by the Centre.

UNI