The Hindu Business Line : `Land acquisition for SEZs not to affect farmers'

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`Land acquisition for SEZs not to affect farmers'

Our Bureau

TN to follow the Centre's guidelines which said only uncultivated, fallow and dry land should be acquired for SEZs.

Chennai , Oct. 29

The Tamil Nadu Government will ensure that special economic zones come up without affecting farmlands or displacing farmers, according to the Chief Minister, Mr M. Karunanidhi.

Allaying fears over acquisition of agricultural lands for use by the industry, he said that the Government would not do something that would result in "500 jobs being lost to provide five jobs". It is only when cultivated lands are acquired to set up SEZs that there would be big loss of jobs.

The Government would only acquire fallow and uncultivated lands for industry, he said.

He recalled that even when land was acquired for the Nanguneri SEZ for the development of the southern districts, the Government had only identified an area that would not affect agriculture. Where the private sector had acquired land at market rates to set up SEZs and sought the Centre's permission, the State Government has recommended the case, he said.

The Chief Minister said that he was in agreement with those against acquiring fertile agriculture land for setting up SEZs.

The Tamil Nadu Government would follow the Centre's guidelines which said that only uncultivated, fallow and dry land should be acquired for SEZs.

The guidelines dated September 25 given to chief ministers said that the committee to approve applications for SEZs at its meeting on September 21 had discussed the issue and concluded that only land not suitable for agriculture and uncultivated lands could be acquired. A small area of cultivated land, less than 10 per cent of the total extent of the SEZ, could be acquired if it was necessary to meet the minimum land area requirement for setting up SEZs.

Entrepreneurs acquiring land for SEZs should ensure relief and livelihood support for those affected by the acquisition. They should also consider setting up facilities in the region to provide industrial training to create skilled manpower.

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