Date:01/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/01/stories/2008050154230400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

“Government violating new industrial policy”

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: PMK leader Ramadoss on Wednesday alleged that the State government had violated the New Industrial Policy by signing MoUs for setting up IT Special Economic Zones (SEZ) within Chennai Corporation limits.

In a statement here, Dr. Ramadoss, who has been opposing acquisition of agricultural land for industries and SEZs, said while in other parts of the country SEZs were allowed only outside the cities, Tamil Nadu has allowed TATA Realty and Infrastructure and DLF to set up their SEZs at Taramani, the heart of the city. Dr. Ramadoss also wanted to know why the representatives of the Indian Hotels Corporation were present when the MoU was signed with the TATA. “When we enquired about it, we were told that a seven-star hotel and luxurious apartments were coming up on the land allotted to the SEZ,” he said.

Recalling the government’s announcement that Rs.3,000 crore would be invested in the SEZ and it would generate employment for 55,000 people, he said the government should explain how it would be possible to generate employment if the land was used for constructing apartments.

Urging the government to reconsider the MoUs, he said the SEZs could be shifted either to Nanguneri or Madurai or Ramanathapuram. “We welcome industries that will pave the way for industrial development and generation of employment. But, the government cannot help real estates in the name of industrial development.”