<b>SEZ Row</b>: Bengal puts all projects on hold

The West Bengal government today said all Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in the state have been put on hold until a "socially balanced" decision was taken in this regard at the national level.

Presenting the state budget for 2007-08 in the assembly, Finance Minister Ashim Dasgupta said there was a necessity to take steps for setting up large industries in consultation with people with a necessary balance of agriculture and payment of compensation for land acquired for projects.

With regard to SEZs, he said until a socially balanced decision was taken at the national level, the state government would not take any initiative in the matter.

The state government's move came only two days after a major flare-up of violence at Nandigram in East Midnapore district, where 14 people died after police opened fire on people opposed to the acquisition of their land for a proposed SEZ.