ASSOCHAM wants SEZ policy
Kolkata, Feb 18(UNI) The Associated Chmber of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) will shortly send a letter to the Centre calling for formulation of an SEZ (Special Economic Zone) policy striking a balance between farmers' interests and the industrial need.
"We want the Centre to come out with an SEZ policy and resolve the current problem. It is a burning issue...while SEZ is required, farmers should not also be deprived. We will send a report on SEZ to the Group of Ministers on industry shortly," ASSOCHAM President Venugopal Dhoot today said.
Addressing a news conference, Mr Dhoot said the ASSOCHAM had already sent a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying that agricultural land should not be acquired for SEZ until a comprehensive land acquisition policy was announced by the Centre.
"All the SEZ proposals should be put on hold as long as the Government put in place its land acquisition policy with adequate compensation package," he said.
The observation of the country's premier business fraternity came in the wake of the nationwide political uproar and debate over acquisition of huge tracts of farm lands.
The ASSOCHAM would also give a proposal to the Centre on what should be the land acquisition policy for setting up of industries and what kind of compensation should be given to the land losers.
Describing the recent Singur controversy as unfortunate, commenting on the Singur incidents over setting up of the Tata Motors' small car factory, Mr Dhoot said what was happening there should not happen anywhere.
He obsedrved that while farmers were the backbone of the country, industrialisation was also needed and land was required."It will be a good honeymoon for farmers and industrialists if peasants are properly educated about the gains out of industry and their interests are protected," Mr Dhoot said.
UNI