Resolving the SEZ imbroglio

The commerce ministry is busy trying to resolve the SEZ imbroglio in Goa. Says Commerce Secretary G.K. Pillai (right): “The 12 SEZs, which have not been notified, should not pose a problem. We’ll just issue a notice to the developers that the state has had a change of heart.”

But the ministry is concerned about the fate of the three notified SEZs. Says Pillai: “We are trying to convince the Goa government to negotiate with the developers. They will have to be paid that compensation with interest.” Commerce Ministry officials emphasise there is no provision to denotify in the SEZ Act 2005. They are now worried that the stand-off could lead to a pitched legal battle.

—Rishi Joshi