PMK says EGoM decision on SEZ will usher in Zamindari system

Chennai, Apr 6 (UNI) Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) Founder-Leader S Ramadoss today criticised the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) decision fixing the maximum size of special economic zone (SEZ) at 5,000 hectare saying this would give rise to irregularities and lead to backdoor entry of Zamindari system.

While welcoming the EGoM recommendations to keep state governments out of land acquisition for SEZs, he said there was competition among Information Technology (IT) companies to set up SEZs.

Such companies did not require more than 25 acre land for the ventures. It was unacceptable for such entities to acquire 5,000 hectare (12,000 acre) land for the purpose.

Dr Ramadoss said a situation must not be created in the guise of SEZs to give rise to 'modern-day Zamindars' by allowing companies to acquire huge tracts of land much beyond the requirements.

The SEZ land acquistion must be subject to the land ceiling act of the respective states and the guidelines framed under it.

Otherwise, the legislation will become a subject matter of mockery, he said.

The Tamil Nadu Government must use the EGoM's fresh recommendation to permit states to reduce the land ceiling for SEZs and ensure the land was acquired as per the proposed land ceiling scheme.

The PMK leader said the government must also ensure employment order was given to the displaced person at the time of land registration.

UNI