Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (MB)
from special correspondent

Panaji, Jul 19: Goa government on Wednesday put a strong case for special economic zones in the state while participating in the debate on the floor of the house.

"People who oppose the SEZs have to realize that there is large number of people working outside Goa and India and contributing to economy. How long they should continue working outside? What direction do we want to give our own children?,’’ state finance minister Dayanand Narvekar, said talking on the floor of the house.

Narvekar was reacting to the allegations leveled by opposition benches questioning state government’s special economic zone policy.

``Most of us send children abroad for employment. We don’t have industries and IT companies in Goa. Annually 800 engineers produced in IT sector itself… if no jobs where will they go?,’’ the finance minister said supporting the case.

He said that in addition to IT professionals, eight thousand under graduates and six thousand graduates pass out annually. ``What is their future? We want to send them back to agriculture?,’’ the minister questioned.

During the debate leader of opposition Manohar Parrikar questioned whether state has a comprehensive SEZ policy.

For this, Narvekar stated that time has come that SEZ policies are changing nationally. `Entrepreneurs are being told to meet people and take them into confidence before acquiring the land. SEZs are going into changes. It is a vessel of growth. If you are proud of an Indian you will not halt the development parks and process,’’ he said.