Opposition demand cancellation of SEZ, stage walkout

Bhubaneswar, Nov 20 (UNI) The Opposition in Orissa Assembly today staged a walkout demanding cancellation of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status provided to the industrial houses by handing over vast agricultural land and at the cost of the state exchequer.

The House was discussing the adjournment motion brought by the Opposition and a calling attention by the treasury bench members. The Opposition members alleged the state government had shown undue favour to the big industrial houses by recommending SEZ.

Orissa Gana Parishad member Arun Dey alleged that SEZ had become a source money making for the Chief Minister and his council of Ministers.

He also came down heavily on the ruling BJD for favouring the SEZ while all other political parties in the country have opposed the move.

Mr Dey said the Winter Session of Parliament was likely to make some major changes in the SEZ concept by brining some amendment in the Act.

Congress members Satya Bhusan Sahoo, Umesh Swain and others demanded the SEZ be cancelled as it would affect large number of farmers whose land would be acquired for the purpose. They alleged that prime land had been allotted to the industrial houses at a cheaper rate, at the cost of the state exchequer.

Quoting the state Finance department report, they alleged that Orissa would lose nearly 1,75,000 crores during five years by providing tax concession while the Centre would also incur a huge loss in excise and custom duty.

Replying to the adjournment motion, State Industry Minister B B Harichandan said the state government had followed a rigorous procedure that has been prescribed by the Board of Approval (BoA) and imposed on special condition for promotion of ancillary and downstream industries.

He said the government had recommended 14 proposals for the approval of the BoA, of which the centre had accorded formal approval in five cases and in principle approval in eight cases, while one case was still pending.

Mr Harichandan denied the Opposition allegation that the industrial houses were shown undue favour and said the a transparent and consistent procedure had been followed while making recommendation for the SEZ subject to the state's SEZ policy.

Ruling BJD members Damodar Rout and Atanu Sabya Sachi wanted to know the profit and loss the State would incur while providing SEZ status to the mineral-based industries.

Mr Rout said the POSCO project with SEZ status would not be accepted by the locals and held the Centre responsible for any lapses in the SEZ Act.

The Industry Minister also made it clear to the Opposition that the UPA government guidelines were being followed by the state government in SEZ and argued that no law had stipulated that the private houses would not be allotted land for the SEZ.

The Opposition while expressing their strong displeasure at the Minister's reply, staged a walk out in the House.

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