Reliance was not given cheap land for SEZ: Hooda

Chandigarh, May 31 (UNI) Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today made it clear that Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) had not been provided land at a low rate for development of a multi-product Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the state, as being alleged by the opposition Indian National Lok Dal (INLD).

The Chief Minister, while talking to reporters in Tosham, said Reliance had been provided land at the fixed rate. He said the Haryana State Industrial Development Corporation (HSIDC) and RIL were jointly developing the SEZ on the basis of equity.

He termed as a ''bunch of lies'' all allegations levelled by the INLD regarding the setting up of SEZ by RIL and said that the party had been making irresponsible statements because it had neither any concern nor agenda for development.

He said a number of incentives were being given for development of industrially backward areas in the state. The government could consider giving more incentives to entrepreneurs for setting up of industries in these areas.

The government was acquiring 25 per cent of the land in the SEZ projects in the National Capital Region and 50 per cent in backward areas while the rest would be done by the companies concerned.

In reply to another question, Mr Hooda said 25 per cent of the jobs would be reserved for residents of Haryana in the industries coming up in the state.

Besides, the government had decided that in case the entire land of a person was acquired, a member of his family would be provided employment.

He said there would be an investment of Rs two lakh crore and ten lakh persons would get employment.

Asked if a second ''chargesheet'' would be filed by the Congress against former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala in the disproportionate assets case, Mr Hooda said the CBI was conducting the enquiry.

He made it clear that the Congress was never in favour of ''acting against anyone with political vendetta.'' The enquiry against Mr Chautala was being conducted through the CBI because this agency had maintained its credibility.

He said all allegations levelled by Mr Chautala for misuse of CBI were baseless and did not hold any ground.

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