The formation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the state may slow down. Cooperation and Rehabilitation Minister Patangrao Kadam has made it clear that land acquisition for SEZs will not be possible unless the State Rehabilitation Authority clears the proposal.
Talking to HT, Kadam said it was mandatory for the parties concerned to get a No-Objection-Certificate (NOC) from the State Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) before acquiring land. And SRA would issue the NOC only after confirming landowners were getting the market price and cultivated or irrigated land is not acquired for the purposes of SEZ. "Only waste or non-cultivated land will be allowed to be acquired for the purpose," said Kadam and added that strict action would be taken if rehabilitation norms were not followed.
According to Kadam, the Industries Ministry had sanctioned 71 SEZs in Maharashtra, involving 40,000 hectares of land without approval from the State Rehabilitation Authority. "I will not mind serving notices to the parties concerned after checking the details." He said.
Talking about the proposed SEZ near New Mumbai, Kadam said primary discussions with Reliance were done but the NOC would be issued only after listening to the farmers.
Kadam also said that a Cabinet-appointed sub-committee, under his chairmanship, will take decisions on formation of SEZs and the committee's a green signal would be required to initiate any process. According to the minister, the sub-committee had asked for all the relevant information and all district collectors would be informed that no SEZ should be sanctioned without the sub-committee approval.
{{/usCountry}}Kadam also said that a Cabinet-appointed sub-committee, under his chairmanship, will take decisions on formation of SEZs and the committee's a green signal would be required to initiate any process. According to the minister, the sub-committee had asked for all the relevant information and all district collectors would be informed that no SEZ should be sanctioned without the sub-committee approval.
{{/usCountry}}Email Satyajit Joshi: satyajit.joshi@hindustantimes.com