CPI to oppose Centre's decision on SEZs

Vijayawada, Jan 10 (UNI) The Communist Party of India (CPI) will oppose the Centre's move to set up Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in 300 centres across the country.

Talking to newspersons here, party's Andhra unit Pradesh Secretary K Narayana today said the issue was discussed threadbare in the recent three-day CPI National Council meeting held at Kolkata.

The contention of the Centre to set up SEZs for industrial development and leaving the rules and frame work for the states were incorrect, he said.

Stating that the land acquired by the government would be handed over to Multi-National Companies (MNCs) for setting up the SEZs without the involvement of trade unions, he said the MNCs would use about 20 per cent of whole land for industrial purpose and remaining for their own interests like construction of airports, among other things.

Mr Naryana said the CPI was of the view that 50 per cent of the land should be earmarked for industrial development, 25 per cent for construction of common parks and clubs and the remaining 25 per cent be given for housing scheme.

Charging the Centre with not paying adequate attention to hasten the process of land litigation cases in the country, the CPI leader said the party would launch a nation-wide struggle in this regard.

The CPI would strongly oppose the economic policies of the UPA government at Centre as it did not benefit the people, he added.

UNI