Centre should discuss with state before approving SEZ: CPI(M)

Hyderabad, Sep 27 (UNI) The Communist Party of India (Marxist) demanded the Centre to consult the concerned state governments before giving approval for Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in the country, General Secretary of the party Prakash Karat said.

Mr Karat who was here to participate in the five-day training programme of the party in the city, said the central committee of the party had passed a resolution demanding the government to amend the SEZ Act. The party had decided to send a comprehensive note to the government with suggestions for the changes in the Act, he added.

He said indiscriminate approvals for SEZs had serious implications for agriculrture as the irrigated lands were depleting in the country.

He said the party had demanded to provide a clause in the ACT for the ceiling on maximum land alloted for multi purpose activity.

He said as per the present Act, 25 per cent of the land was used for industrial purpose and the remaining 75 per cent for shopping malls and other activities. This should be reversed and 75 per cent should be provided for industry and infrastructure purpose and the remaining for the shopping and other needs, he said.

He said the tax concessions being provided to SEZ should be reduced as the promoters were getting land at very cheap rate.

He said the Centre should take steps for food security in the country.

Regarding the forthcoming assembly elections, he said the party would contest elections with Communist Party of India and other like minded persons and parties in Punjab, Manipur and Uttaranchal. The party had not decided on Uttar Pradesh elections. The party would discuss the matter with state committee and a decision would be taken soon, he added.

He said the party also demanded for a fresh election in Jharkhand in view of the uncertainity in the state.

He said status quo should be maintained on proposed 'Shobha Yatra' in Karnataka and the government should not give BJP and RSS the permission to conduct the 'yatra' as it would create communal tension in the country.

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