Convention against SEZs in Mumbai tomorrow

Mumbai, May 4 (UNI) Preparatory Committee for Convention Against SEZ and Land Grab has organised a convention here tomorrow to exchange views and experiences on the struggle against SEZs.

The Committee is an amalgamation of thirteen various organisations, which include Adivasi Ekta Parishad, All India Kisan Mazdoor Sabha, Bahujan Vikas Aghadi, Bhoomi Sena, IFTU, and Mahamumbai Shetkari Sangharsh Samiti.

The Committee believes that the Central and the state governments decision to set up various SEZs will devastate the peasants, whose lands are being 'grabbed' and handed over to ''imperialist'' MNCs and their Indian partners for pittance.

''The rural artisans, the fisherfolk, the toddy-tappers and the agricultural labourers will all be rendered jobless, and will receive no compensation. The workers employed in the SEZs will be subjected to super-exploitation and will be denied their basic rights including the right to join the unions of their choice,'' a statement said.

Terming the policy of SEZs and land ''grabbing'' as part of the policy of globalisation, the statement said that by going ahead with such moves, the country will lose vast sums of money of taxes and import/export duties, from which establishments in SEZs will be exempted.

''Only 50 per cent of the land in SEZs will be reserved for 'operational purposes', while the rest of the land will be used for building posh residential complexes, recreational facilities, swimming pools, clubs and the likes,'' the statement added.

Stating that many forces all over the country are fighting against SEZs in their own states, the statement said the struggle in Nandigram has inspired people all over the country, be it Raigadh in Maharshtra, Rajnandogaon in Chhatisgarh, MP, or Kerala.

UNI