Maharashtra No 1 in SEZs, its I-T Secy slams Express saying SEZ is just landgrab

‘‘Such land grabbing practices do not augur well for this country and should be stopped immediately… Do we require SEZs at all? Before China, there was no concept of SEZs in any country. China opted to take the SEZ route as its Communist principles clashed with the need for modernisation and property transactions were not permitted for foreigners. The question is: does India need to follow the Chinese model?’’ Kumar said.

‘‘There is no rationale in setting up SEZs if they end up aggravating regional imbalances. Prima facie, SEZs appear like a land grab scheme through the back door. Under the law, no individual can own more than 52 acres. How have we arrived at a formula that enables individuals to own more than 100,000 hectares?’’ he argued.

When Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh’s comments were sought on Kumar’s remarks — the IT secretary reports to him — he told The Indian Express: ‘‘SEZs are part of Central government policy. They have framed it after considering everything, including the process for land acquisition. In Maharashtra, we are following it. On the issue of land acquisition, we have given directions that it should be done in a a proper way.’’