CPM146;s SEZ note to push Bengal model

The CPIM will recommend restrictions on land use, arguing that there should be a stipulation for at least 50 per cent of the land to be used for industry, 25 per cent for related infrastructure and the remaining 25 per cent for other uses. 8220;We will be making the proposal based on the West Bengal model,8221; Karat said. The party will say in its note that tax exemption proposals should be reviewed and 8220;drastically pruned8221;.

The party will also seek details on the compensation given to farmers and the kind of land that was being acquired. The compensation package should cover not merely the farmers but also agricultural workers, Karat said, adding: 8220;No SEZ should be set up without the approval of state governments. We want this to be given priority in the next Parliament session.8221;

Pay hike for comrades

NEW DELHI: The CPIM has decided to raise the wages of full-time party workers. Prakash Karat on Tuesday said the wages of full-time partymen would now match the minimum wage for unskilled workers as notified by state governments. 8220;We pay our wholetimers very less. In Delhi, they get about Rs 2,500 per month while the minimum wage for unskilled workers is Rs 4,000. We want our wholetimers to be paid this amount,8221; Karat said. 8212;ENS