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News Articles

SEZ developers go out to win over Goans, reverse govt order

1 Feb, 2008, 0337 hrs IST,Smitha Venkateswaran, TNN

PANAJI:Three companies; Cipla, K Raheja Corp and Peninsula Land, whose SEZ projects were scrapped by the Goa government, have joined hands to take on the Digambar Kamat government. Besides launching a PR exercise to win over Goans, the three companies are exploring legal options as well.

Plans are on to hold exhibitions, distribute pamphlets and educate people about the proposed projects. The companies are willing to promise job reservations and set up training centres to develop the required skills among youth.

“We are in the process of understanding the Goans’ rationale behind opposing the SEZs. Our project is non-polluting and ideally suited to Goa which has a high literacy rate and good English speaking population. The fact that some of them are multi-lingual is an added attraction,” said K Raheja’s industrials infrastructure business CEO, Vishwas Dhumal.

In his former capacity as Maharashtra’s industry secretary, Mr Dhumal has experience in winning people’s support. Companies are looking at ways to address sensitive issues like inward migration, load on infrastructure and real job opportunities created in Goa. The idea is to convince people about the benefits of SEZs. Agrees Cipla CEO, Amar Lulla, “We were already in talks with pharmacy colleges here, to train students and enhance local job opportunities,” he said.

“We are non–polluting and will create high paying jobs in Goa. How long can the state rely on tourism alone? It needs other alternatives for which SEZ must be considered,” said Peninsula Land, Business Head, Makarand Brahme. The company, which was slated to develop a biotech park in state, claims to have already spent over Rs. 400 crore on the project.

In addition to holding public rallies that will address concerns of depleting ground water, power shortages, senior management staff of these companies are also in touch with higher-ranking bureaucrats to explore ways to ensure work continuity in Goa. “Many ministers are in favour of SEZs but are afraid to speak due to the bad image created. We are discussing various options,” a senior official of Peninsula Land confirmed.

Companies are looking at legal options. Cipla has already filed two petitions against the government, challenging the state’s verbal order to stop construction at the SEZ site. Other companies too are working out their strategy to continue work, lest the Centre decides to scrap the approved projects. All three players are hoping that the government will reconsider its decision.