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Even as the world is reeling under the global economic slowdown, with its inevitable fallout on India, there seems to be little impact on Gujarat and its economy, and the credit for this should largely go to the Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

While Gujarat is making rapid strides in development through the SEZs, it is unfortunate that Maharashtra continues to witness strong opposition to such zones.

The 131 SEZs in Maharashtra are expected to create around 59 lakh new jobs. But many, including prominent thought leaders, have been opposing the development of such zones, particularly in Raigad and other places.

The young people in the State are already being deprived of jobs due to global recession, but those who are anti SEZs seem to be unaware of this fact.

The situation in Raigad today is that agriculture is not remunerative; on the other hand, there are no jobs for the youth.

It is such a situation of deprivation, bordering on poverty, that can turn youngsters to militancy and other such unwanted social evils. Those opposing SEZs should keep in mind the global recession, unemployment and the declining agricultural output before calling for halting work on the Mahamumbai SEZ.

Yogesh Kotian Mumbai

More Stories on : Letters | Infrastructure | Gujarat

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