The Maharashtra legislative assembly passed a bill to create special integrated areas in special economic zones (SEZ). The bill will pave the way for 40% residential townships in SEZs.
Replying to a debate on the Maharashtra Industrial Development Bill, 2013, industries minister Narayan Rane allayed the Opposition’s fears that the legislation would hurt the interest of farmers in the state.
Rane said residential townships will help make SEZs feasible, especially in view of the ongoing economic meltdown.
Pointing out that many SEZs were in a state of limbo despite strident efforts by the state government, Rane said 40% residential townships will firm up these zones.
It will also help create housing stock in the state, he added.
Of the 146 notified SEZs in the state, only 17 areas were functional, while 22 SEZ areas were de-notified or withdrawn because of changes in the Centre’s policy.
Opposing the bill, Shiv Sena-BJP legislators described it as “anti-farmer”. Girish Bapat and Sudhir Mungantiwar of the BJP demanded that the bill be referred to the joint select committee, but Rane turned it down. The Opposition also demanded that 12% of the SEZ area be given to farmers.
The House finally cleared the bill after Rane’s reply.
Replying to a debate on the Maharashtra Industrial Development Bill, 2013, industries minister Narayan Rane allayed the Opposition’s fears that the legislation would hurt the interest of farmers in the state.
Rane said residential townships will help make SEZs feasible, especially in view of the ongoing economic meltdown.
Pointing out that many SEZs were in a state of limbo despite strident efforts by the state government, Rane said 40% residential townships will firm up these zones.
It will also help create housing stock in the state, he added.
Of the 146 notified SEZs in the state, only 17 areas were functional, while 22 SEZ areas were de-notified or withdrawn because of changes in the Centre’s policy.
Opposing the bill, Shiv Sena-BJP legislators described it as “anti-farmer”. Girish Bapat and Sudhir Mungantiwar of the BJP demanded that the bill be referred to the joint select committee, but Rane turned it down. The Opposition also demanded that 12% of the SEZ area be given to farmers.
The House finally cleared the bill after Rane’s reply.
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