Tamil Nadu

Veeraswami joins issue with Ramadoss

Arcot N. Veeraswami

CHENNAI: Electricity Minister Arcot N. Veeraswami on Wednesday joined issue with Pattali Makkal Katchi founder S. Ramadoss, asserting that the new industrial policy was drawn up after year-long consultations with all stakeholders. The draft policy was examined in detail by a Cabinet Sub-Committee before it was released.

Dr. Ramadoss, while lauding some aspects of the project, had criticised the “bias” of the policy towards large industries and multi-national corporations.

Mr. Veeraswami said all industrialists and industry associations had welcomed the policy. While thanking Dr. Ramadoss for appreciating what he [Dr. Ramadoss] considered the positive aspects, Mr. Veeraswami said since he was a member of the committee responsible for drafting the policy, he wanted to clarify to a few points raised by Dr. Ramadoss.

There was no danger of any long-term adverse effects on the agriculture economy. It was clearly mentioned in the policy that industrialists had to negotiate directly with land owners. The Cabinet, which met on Wednesday, decided to set up a committee to draw up norms for acquiring land for setting up SEZs, he said.

Mr. Veeraswami said at a time when all States were competing hard to attract investment, Tamil Nadu would be able to attract investment only if it gave at least a few concessions. The Centre had decided to give concessions to SEZs. It was on this basis that Tamil Nadu also was extending concessions to SEZs. No concession had been granted to enable someone to violate land ceiling Acts.

The policy, aimed at achieving a high rate of industrial growth, was for large industries. A new policy for the small scale sector would be ready soon, he added.

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