In poll-bound Goa, Congress, BJP vote for SEZs

Unlike in other states, the ruling Congress in Goa has been supported in its drive for setting up special economic zones by the opposition BJP. But in a twist, its partner in the government, the NCP, has questioned the need for SEZs in the state.

The BJP, however, smells a land-grab scam in the acquisition of land for the zones.

Though the BJP and the Congress are set for a fierce battle for the Assembly polls, both see the zones as a way to bring down the high unemployment in the state. Though Goa has the second highest literacy rate after Kerala out of 1.3 million people, nearly 10 per cent have no jobs, according to Rajya Sabha MP and Congress state unit spokesman Shantaram Naik.

"Our party has no problems with SEZs but the state government has to lay down the rules, or if necessary, bring in an Act to ensure that Goans get 80 per cent jobs in these SEZs and IT parks," said Naik. He said if the locals were found unskilled, it should be industry's responsibility to train them.

A few months ago, the state government's industrial infrastructure arm, Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), had allotted 12.32 lakh sq mt land to Meditab Specialties Private Limited to set up a pharmaceutical SEZ.

Besides this, the state government plans to set up SEZs for sectors like biotech, IT and ITeS, and gems and jewellery. Expressions of interest have already been invited.

In support, state BJP President and MP Shripad Naik said, "We are not opposed to SEZs but are definitely opposed to the manner in which the incumbent Congress government has handled the issue. We smell a huge land scam here."

However, the NCP has struck a discordant note. "These SEZs should be set up in the constituencies of the leaders who are lobbying for them," said NCP's state unit General Secretary Surendra Furtado, adding, "The assurance to provide 80 per cent jobs to the local is an eyewash as there is no way to ensure this".

"Past experiences, when industries set up in the state closed down after utilising the benefits, ought to have woken up the decision-makers," said Furtado.

"Almost all the units in the Export Promotion Zone (EPZ) at the Santa Cruz were shut down after their owners exhausted the sops offered by the state. The SEZs will suffer the same fate," he said.