PORVORIM: In a significant development, the promoters of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) have ‘in-principle’ agreed to the BJP-led government’s proposal of ‘compromise cum settlement’ to unlock 38 lakh sq mts of SEZ land currently in litigation before the Supreme Court.
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, are now ready for an amicable solution to the pending issue, to unlock the land. The promoters are willing to talk with the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to settle the issue.
The promoters had approached the Apex Court after the High Court in its 2010 judgement set aside the land allotments to all SEZ promoters dubbing it illegal. The SC in 2011 directed the Centre, State and IDC to maintain a status quo on SEZ land allotment.
Highly-placed sources confirmed that all five promoters informed the Supreme Court on Friday that they are ready to have talks with IDC for an amicable solution to the issue. “When the matter came up for hearing before the Court on Friday, the SEZ promoters approached the Court with a request to modify its order (status quo), so that they can approach IDC for amicable solution as directed by the High Court,” sources said. The matter will now be heard on January 21.
In a bid to unlock the SEZ land, the BJP government was in talks with the promoters, wherein it had proposed that 30 per cent of the land locked in SEZs would be reserved for the promoters, while the balance would be utilised for industrial development. The government has been repeatedly clarifying that it will not adopt the concept of SEZ for industrial growth.
“Government is currently in talks with the SEZ promoters for mutual understanding. If they agree, 30 per cent of land would be reserved for the promoters, provided they carry out projects as per government demand and requirement. These promoters have invested money and they are waiting, so it will provide some relief,” former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, had told the Legislative Assembly over a year ago. His views were welcomed and this was carried forward by his successor Laxmikant Parsekar.
A total of 38,40,886 sq mtrs of land was allotted for SEZs by the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC). Following a public protest, the then Congress government had decided to scrap seven SEZs and withdraw the State SEZ policy. Three of the seven SEZs were already notified by the Trade and Commerce Ministry.
