CPM welcomes Govt's decision to put on hold SEZ proposals

New Delhi, Jan 18 (UNI) The CPI(M) today welcomed the government's reported decision to put on hold all proposals for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) but said it must be linked with bringing in fundamental changes in the present SEZ Act.

In a statement, the CPM Polit Bureau said the party had been arguing that it was essential to include a land use clause to put a ceiling on the land and to define the nature of land which could be used for setting up an SEZ.

Further, it is also imperative to ensure that at least 50 per cent of the land must be used for manufacturing and processing and 25 per cent for infrastructural purposes.

It said the government must ensure a full and comprehensive rehabilitation policy for the affected people, withdraw tax and other concessions now being offered for the creation of SEZs and guarantee labour laws in these entities.

At the same time, the CPM also called for a complete reworking of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 to strengthen the rights of those losing their land tenants, agricultural workers and all those whose livelihoods depend on the land.

It said all the left parties had submitted a detailed note to the government on these issues and favoured bringing in necessary changes in the relevant laws for discussion and adoption in the Budget Session of Parliament.

UNI