NCP against land accquisition by govt for private SEZs

Mumbai, May 26 (UNI) Union Agriculture Minister and NCP president Sharad Pawar today said his party was against land acquisition by state governments for private SEZs.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Pawar said it was upto the private parties to enter into discussions with the farmers and negotiate with them the market prices for their land.

''However, we have no problem with land acquisitions meant for public sector enterprises like construction of dams, infrastructure and power projects,'' he said and added that forced accquisitions should not be encouraged.

Asked about the controversy surrounding Mahamumbai SEZ with Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh staying the land acquisition and Revenue Minister Nayaran Rane speaking against it, Mr Pawar said he was ''just putting his party's stand on the issue and not commenting on individual ministers or projects.'' UNI MR MAZ SKB KN1918