PANJIM: The BJP-led government has welcomed the move of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) promoters to opt for an ‘amicable solution’ to unlock the SEZ land, which is currently in litigation before the Supreme Court. Unlocking 38 lakh sq metres of SEZ land would be the biggest achievement of the State government, he said.
The government said that around 60 to 70 percent of the land would be retained by the State, while the balance would be set aside for the SEZ promoters for further industrial expansion.
Speaking to Herald, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said, “Since the matter is before the Supreme Court, I would not like to comment in detail. We welcome the approach of the SEZ promoters. We were always ready for a compromise or settlement, an amicable solution to the issue. The land has been locked for over a decade. If we can unlock it, then it would be the biggest achievement of State government.”
Five of the seven SEZ promoters – K Raheja & Corporation, Peninsula Pharma Research Centre, Planetview Mercantile Co, Inox Mercantile Company and Paradigm Logistics & Distribution – who had approached the Supreme Court, have said they are ready for an amicable solution to unlock the land. The promoters are willing to talk with Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) to settle the matter.
During a hearing before the Apex Court on January 15, the promoters had told the court to modify its order of maintaining status quo, so that they can approach GIDC for an amicable solution. The matter will be next heard on January 21.
Parsekar said it would be a win-win situation for the State as well as SEZ promoters, wherein 30 to 40 percent of the land locked in SEZs would be reserved for them, while the balance would be utilized for industrial development. “It would be a major achievement if we can get back 60 to 70 percent of land for industrial development,” Parsekar said.
