From my Diary - S E Zs

We all know about the Singur Imbroglio. The goof Ups by the Government, Mamta's Opportunistic Stance to garner vote bank and above all Tata's getting trapped in the system, are all well known to all of us. The big question is why the concerned state governments do not take the affected villagers in to confidence ?? In this context what happened in Maharashtra , on September 21, 08, could be termed as a path breaking approach. The affected villagers were given a chance to voice their feelings through a referendum. Thanks to Mr. Vinayak Nirupam for taking this bold step. Thanks to the State Government also for accepting this path. They have also asked the Department of Irrigation to submit their report and specify if the affected 22 villages are in the long term irrigation scheme. If the villagers vote against the S E Z bid of Reliance and if the irrigation department also casts it vote against the SEZ ( by giving an adverse report ) then it would be difficult for the State Government and Reliance to go against the wishes of masses, even though the last word would have to be said by the Government. There is a lobbying going on by the brokers of Land Acquisitionist of Reliance. They have also resorted to showing red carrots to the villagers. But then the N G O s are also doing their bit to ensure that the villagers don't get trapped in such short term lures. I feel it is a very democratic way of handling such issues. The land is life line of these villagers. so if at all the Government or a Corporate wishes to still go ahead with the S E Z schemes, then they should take the concerned villagers also into confidence. I also feel they should also consider the following, as responsible Governments and Corporate, if they all are interested in Social Welfare and General Up - lift of the conditions of the masses: Preferably no cultivatable land should be considered for this purpose. But if it is not avoidable then: Reputed NGO/s should be involved to safeguard the interest of the land owners. Referendum should be resorted to in case of disputes. It should also be supervised by the NGOs The affected land Owners should get enough compensation ( may be about 4 / 5 times the prevailing market rates ) to ensure that their 3 - 4 generations could survive on the money they get. Proper rehabilitation plans should be in place. The concerned authorities ( Government & the proposed SEZ Owners ) should engage recognized investment consultants to ensure that the owners invest at least 60 – 70 % of the funds in the names of each family members. The minors should be eligible to get possession of their funds on attaining adulthood. Job surety for at least one male and one female from each affected family should be given by the SEZ Owners. Any such other steps which ensure the social security of the affected people should also be incorporated.