Govt keen on scrapping all SEZs in Goa: Governor

Panaji, Jan 10 (UNI) Goa Governor S C Jamir has reiterated the Government's resolve to scrap all the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Goa in deference to people's feelings and aspirations.

''My government believes in democracy and gives utmost priority to the feelings of the people of Goa. It is keen on scrapping all the SEZs in Goa, giving due respect to the people's feelings and aspirations, and has already written to the Central Government to denotify the SEZs which are already notified,'' the Governor told the winter session of the State Legislative Assembly that began here today.

He said the Government had succeeded in getting waiver of the Rs 239 crore loan and its interest, in principle, from the Central Government which was a long pending demand.

He further said the Centre had indicated a tentative plan size of Rs 8,485 crore for Goa's 11th Five Year Plan with emphasis on social security, quality education, health care facilities, tourism infrastructure, IT knowledge, economy and public-private-partnership projects.

The Government, Mr Jamir said, would look forward to a host of positive economic and political developments and new perspectives unfolding in the process with the commencement of the 11th Five Year Plan this financial year.

In order to encourage better journalism and support the journalists, the Governor said the Government had doubled the pension of retired journalists from Rs 1,000 per month besides, doubling government contribution for Journalist Welfare Fund from Rs 2 lakh per annum.

Enumerating various achievements and schemes in different sectors, Mr Jamir said the Government had plans to develop Goa as ''games and sports capital of India'' through establishment of multi-disciplinary sports infrastructure of international standard to facilitate hosting of national and international events.

This, he said, would not only attract high caliber athletes in various disciplines and promote excellence in sports but also boost sports tourism in Goa.

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