Date:27/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/27/stories/2008092756700400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

SEZ issue being politicised: Congress

HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has said that displacement of villagers of Polepally in Mahabubnagar district for setting up of a Special Economic Zone was being politicised by certain political parties.

Stating that it was the then TDP government that accorded permission to set up an industrial park on 960 acres of land, APCC spokesperson N. Tulasi Reddy and others said each displaced farmer was paid compensation of Rs. 18,000 per acre.

The Congress government had enhanced compensation for private agriculture land and fixed the amount between Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1.25 lakh per acre.

Jobs and plot

Mr. Tulasi Reddy said the Congress government went to the extent of ensuring that all those, who lost their lands for the SEZ, were given 200 square yard plot and Rs. 70,000 in cash for construction of houses. In addition to this, a member of the displaced farmer was assured of employment in the SEZ, he pointed out.