[Goanet] ALERT: Digu's govt preparing for Goa's funeral

[Rajan P. Parrikar]

To Goanet -

The news coming out today is dismal on both the
fronts.

On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs.
That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the
behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts
will be mighty relieved.

On the Regional Plan -
I hear that the new draft has run into turbulence. Digu
and his cohorts want to fashion it in such a manner
that the interests of the real estate lobby and fellow
Kangress colleagues are maximized while Goa is lead
to its ruin. But you shouldn't be shocked. You first
heard it here from me several months ago. What else
did you expect with Digu's bum pal Datta Damodar
Naik in the Task Force? Furthermore, Digu's moles
had long penetrated the GBA.

The fools who thought that Digu had the interests
of Goa and Goans at heart - please stand up. 1, 2,
3, 4, 5,....oh 99.5% of the Goanet class, I see. You
may all sit down now.

Regards,


r





____________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

[Bosco D'Mello]

<On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs. That is, the govt is
buying time, almost surely at the behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his
cohorts will be mighty relieved.>


RESPONSE: Rajan, when you say 'preparing', you are giving the rest of us
some hope that Goa is not dead yet.......:-)

Briefly.....Manohar Parrikar's perspective and vision to bring
SEZ/industries to Goa, especially the pharma/bio-focused and IT Parks was a
good one. Unfortunately they were not realised before he was prematurely
disposed as CM. They are certainly environmentally friendlier than the
polluting mines. However the implementation of the SEZ was skewed by the
current government.

As far as GMAS/Mathany is concerned.....the Goanet archives will attest to
Mathany calling SEZ a 'disaster' in July 2003....12 months later Parrikar
inducted him into the cabinet and possibly bought his silence. Now if
Mathany was genuinely against establishing a SEZ in Goa, don't you think he
should have protested at the time in 2003 or 2004 especially when he was
part of the government? If he protested, I have no knowledge of it. Is this
not the same politician who in Sep 2004 promised to quit the cabinet if the
River Princess was not towed away by January 2005? If he quit, it did not
make it to the Goanet Archives either. Oh yes, the Congress opposition at
the time termed the River Princes "an ecological time bomb waiting to
explode causing long term marine pollution besides being an eyesore." BAH!!

It was really surprising to see Parrikar support/be a part of GMAS and
oppose SEZ (in 2007) even though he promoted SEZ as a Chief Miniser (in
2003/04). There is possibly some ambiguity in his stance - he possibly does
support a SEZ policy for Goa but not in the format implemented in the 3
cases.

As far as cancelling the approved SEZs, are there not legal restrictions to
denotify them?? Some reports indicate they may require some legislative
intervention.

It is unfortunate that grassroots attempts against mining does not seem to
take a hold among the populace like the SEZ issue seems to have.

- Bosco

[Gabe Menezes]

Post by Rajan P. Parrikar
To Goanet -
The news coming out today is dismal on both the
fronts.
On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs.
That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the
behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts
will be mighty relieved.

RESPONSE: While it is true, that it ain't over until the fat lady
sings; this is what came out now.....

Govt scraps 8 Goa SEZs
BS Reporter / New Delhi February 26, 2008
First reversal after last year's protests in the state.

As many as eight Special Economic Zones (SEZs) proposals in Goa were
scrapped at one stroke by the inter-ministerial Board of Approvals,
which met here today. The Board also decided to ask 12 developers in
the state why their zones should not be cancelled.

This is the first incident of a reversal of a Central policy,
following a strong anti-SEZ movement in Goa last year that had
threatened to bring down the Digambar Kamat-led Congress government.

SEZs are underwritten by a central law passed by Parliament in 2005
that permits special taxation and other fiscal benefits to the
developers and the units inside these zones.

The Goa government, on December 31, 2007, had recommended that the
Centre scrap all the zones in the state following widespread public
protests. Anti-SEZ protesters had argued that the zones will put extra
pressure on the already fragile infrastructure in the state and lead
to a dilution of the Goan identity.

Their argument was that ?outsiders? would flood Goa in search of SEZ
jobs that the locals will not be able to fill. This cancellation is
the first time in history that ethnic issues have led to reversal of
central industrial policy.

Formally approved zones that are facing withdrawal of status include
Inox Mercantile Company?s 48-hectare Biotech zone in Verna,
Panchbhoomi Infrastructure Pvt Ltd?s 18.5-hectare infotech zone in
North Goa and a 48-hectare Infotech zone of Paradigm Logistics in
Verna.

?We are following the principle of natural justice and are sending
showcause notices to 12 formally approved zones. Proposals that were
sent by the state and were yet to be considered by the Board of
Approvals will be treated as withdrawn,? said Commerce Secretary Gopal
Krishna Pillai, who heads the board.

Three controversial SEZs in Goa ? Cipla?s Meditab Specialities,
Raheja?s IT/ITeS SEZ and Peninsula Pharma?s bio-tech SEZ ? which were
formally notified were, however, given a temporary reprieve, as the
board decided to launch formal talks with the Goa government on the
issue. The Goa government has been insistent on their denotification
and scrapping.

The commerce ministry believes scrapping zones will send a wrong
signal to foreign investors. The ministry argues that even in the case
of denotification of the three zones, the industrial units built by
the developers will continue to exist.

Sources said that Cipla had already invested more than Rs 200 crore in
building two units at the Meditab zone.

Initially, the commerce ministry was of the view that notified zones
could not be de-notified. But Commerce Minister Kamal Nath had
subsequently said that denotification was an option that could be
exercised. The matter was then referred to the law ministry.

Sources said issues relating to compensation to SEZ developers, as
they have already pumped in money to set up industrial infrastructure,
will have to be addressed.

The commerce ministry is hopeful that even if 20 SEZs in the state are
axed, the three notified SEZs would continue to function.

Former minister Mathany Saldhana, who is leading the anti-SEZ
agitation, said: ?We consider today?s development a partial victory,
but nevertheless the first major step in saving our state that could
have lost its cultural heritage against the tide of the migrants
coming in for jobs. It would also have ruined Goa?s environment.
However, we vow not to rest till the three SEZs that have been
notified are completely withdrawn by the government?.

The Board of Approval today also gave formal approval to 10 zones, and
in-principle approval to 14 other zones spread across the country.

GOA?S PARADISE REGAINED

2007 September-December: Widespread protests in Goa against SEZs. Goa
government recommends to the Centre scrapping of all SEZs in the state
and denotification of three others.

2008 January: Commerce ministry officials say the SEZ Act does not
provide for denotification. Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat meets
Commerce Minister Kamal Nath, who says denotification is possible.
Issue referred to the law ministry.

2008 February: Law ministry says denotification of SEZs involves
compensation of the developers, who have already invested in
construction inside the zones.

Board of Approval decides that proposals of eight zones, which it had
not considered, will stand withdrawn.

Also decides to send showcause notices to 12 other formally and
in-principally approved zones.

http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?autono=315024&leftnm=3&subLeft=0&chkFlg=

[anand virgincar]

Bab Rajan Parrikar wrote : The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs. That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts will be mighty relieved.

Bab Gabe Menezes replied : While it is true, that it ain't over until the fat lady sings; this is what came out now.....

and Bab Gabe followed it up with an excellent newpaper
clip which essentially said : Govt scraps 8 Goa SEZs


My comments :

Belated Birthday greetings, Bab Gabe...many happy returns.
( Rest of posting not specifically directed at you )

I am genuinely confused about this whole SEZ ( and anti-SEZ
business ). To start with , why is Digamber Kamat ( and the
central government ) so keen to have a dialogue with SEZ
promoters ( see link below ) particularly as :
i ) He has already made a grand statement cancelling ALL
SEZ's ( with flower petals being showered on him from all
angles by anti-SEZ activists for this selfless decision ? )
ii ) He has castigated Manohar Parrikar for having a fictitious
dialogue with SEZ promoters ? ( I say fictitious because the
CM has not yet taken the golden opportunity presented to
him to send the vile Manohar Parrikar into political sanyas by
providing facts to back his accusations )

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200802261404.htm


There are a few more extremely vexing problems I have with
understanding this whole issue. To summarise the story so far :

1 ) The whole SEZ thingy appears to be a huge scam in terms
of precious goan land assets and many other aspects.
2 ) The SEZ's were approved during Pratapsinh Rane led Congress
rule ( with Digamber Kamat part of the cabinet which took the
decision , I presume after the deep study required )
3 ) An additional 2 SEZ's were notified by the Digamber Kamat
government ( to add to the only 1 that had already been notified )
AFTER the major anti-SEZ protests started ( and we now know that
cancelling the notified one's is a much more difficult ball game )
4 ) All the names of personalities involved in the SEZ / IT park /
food park scams are Congressmen.
5 ) Above all , the CONGRESS IS IN POWER IN GOA and the ultimate
decision regarding cancelling SEZ's or not lies with the CM.

On the flip side :
1 ) Manohar Parrikar ( along with Matanhy Saldanha , Bab Floriano
Lobo , Soter D'Souza and others were the first to raise their voices
against SEZ's in a big way ).The others like SVM and GBA only
followed after a significant time lag ( in spite of the fact that their
leaders had the huge land scam in front of their noses as part of
the RP2021 committee )
2 ) The actions of the GMAS were almost certainly contributory
to the pressure on the Govenment becoming so intense that the
CM was left with no option but to cancel the SEZ's. Even if the
SVM and GBA are given 99.9 % credit , Manohar Parrikar and the
others from GMAS do deserve at least 0.1 % credit.
3 ) At no stage has Manohar Parrikar supported a single approved
SEZ.
4 ) At no stage has the GMAS stopped others like SVM or GBA
from protesting as well. In fact, unlike the SVM ,they have always
welcomed the others to join them.
5 ) Above all , MANOHAR PARRIKAR and the BJP ARE NOT IN POWER
( and nor are others like Matanhy and Floriano ) and even if they
were paid a few hundred crores each , cannot take the final
decision regarding SEZ's and their future .

The questions which are truely mystifying me are :
A ) Why are the activists and leaders of the SVM and GBA ( and
the local media ) falling head over heels in praising Digamber Kamat
and his goverment to the high heavens for the scrap of ( possible )
good they did in merely making a grand statement that the SEZ's
( which were dumped on Goa by the Congress goverment in the
first place ) were being cancelled ?
B ) Even more puzzling , why are the activists and leaders of the
SVM and GBA ( and the local media ) scraping the barrel to find
anything and everything they can find ( including baseless allegations )
to castigate Manohar Parrikar , the GMAS and the YFG ( when the
political opposition to the Congress government have had no say
in the approval of the SEZ's and cannot stop the cancellation of
SEZ's even if they wished to ) ??


luv and regards,
anand

( Dr Anand Virgincar )


_________________________________________________________________
Get Hotmail on your mobile, text MSN to 63463!
http://mobile.uk.msn.com/pc/mail.aspx

[anand virgincar]

Bab Rajan Parrikar wrote : The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs. That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts will be mighty relieved.

Bab Gabe Menezes replied : While it is true, that it ain't over until the fat lady sings; this is what came out now.....

and Bab Gabe followed it up with an excellent newpaper
clip which essentially said : Govt scraps 8 Goa SEZs


My comments :

Belated Birthday greetings, Bab Gabe...many happy returns.
( Rest of posting not specifically directed at you )

I am genuinely confused about this whole SEZ ( and anti-SEZ
business ). To start with , why is Digamber Kamat ( and the
central government ) so keen to have a dialogue with SEZ
promoters ( see link below ) particularly as :
i ) He has already made a grand statement cancelling ALL
SEZ's ( with flower petals being showered on him from all
angles by anti-SEZ activists for this selfless decision ? )
ii ) He has castigated Manohar Parrikar for having a fictitious
dialogue with SEZ promoters ? ( I say fictitious because the
CM has not yet taken the golden opportunity presented to
him to send the vile Manohar Parrikar into political sanyas by
providing facts to back his accusations )

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200802261404.htm


There are a few more extremely vexing problems I have with
understanding this whole issue. To summarise the story so far :

1 ) The whole SEZ thingy appears to be a huge scam in terms
of precious goan land assets and many other aspects.
2 ) The SEZ's were approved during Pratapsinh Rane led Congress
rule ( with Digamber Kamat part of the cabinet which took the
decision , I presume after the deep study required )
3 ) An additional 2 SEZ's were notified by the Digamber Kamat
government ( to add to the only 1 that had already been notified )
AFTER the major anti-SEZ protests started ( and we now know that
cancelling the notified one's is a much more difficult ball game )
4 ) All the names of personalities involved in the SEZ / IT park /
food park scams are Congressmen.
5 ) Above all , the CONGRESS IS IN POWER IN GOA and the ultimate
decision regarding cancelling SEZ's or not lies with the CM.

On the flip side :
1 ) Manohar Parrikar ( along with Matanhy Saldanha , Bab Floriano
Lobo , Soter D'Souza and others were the first to raise their voices
against SEZ's in a big way ).The others like SVM and GBA only
followed after a significant time lag ( in spite of the fact that their
leaders had the huge land scam in front of their noses as part of
the RP2021 committee )
2 ) The actions of the GMAS were almost certainly contributory
to the pressure on the Govenment becoming so intense that the
CM was left with no option but to cancel the SEZ's. Even if the
SVM and GBA are given 99.9 % credit , Manohar Parrikar and the
others from GMAS do deserve at least 0.1 % credit.
3 ) At no stage has Manohar Parrikar supported a single approved
SEZ.
4 ) At no stage has the GMAS stopped others like SVM or GBA
from protesting as well. In fact, unlike the SVM ,they have always
welcomed the others to join them.
5 ) Above all , MANOHAR PARRIKAR and the BJP ARE NOT IN POWER
( and nor are others like Matanhy and Floriano ) and even if they
were paid a few hundred crores each , cannot take the final
decision regarding SEZ's and their future .

The questions which are truely mystifying me are :
A ) Why are the activists and leaders of the SVM and GBA ( and
the local media ) falling head over heels in praising Digamber Kamat
and his goverment to the high heavens for the scrap of ( possible )
good they did in merely making a grand statement that the SEZ's
( which were dumped on Goa by the Congress goverment in the
first place ) were being cancelled ?
B ) Even more puzzling , why are the activists and leaders of the
SVM and GBA ( and the local media ) scraping the barrel to find
anything and everything they can find ( including baseless allegations )
to castigate Manohar Parrikar , the GMAS and the YFG ( when the
political opposition to the Congress government have had no say
in the approval of the SEZ's and cannot stop the cancellation of
SEZ's even if they wished to ) ??


luv and regards,
anand

( Dr Anand Virgincar )


_________________________________________________________________
Get Hotmail on your mobile, text MSN to 63463!
http://mobile.uk.msn.com/pc/mail.aspx

[anand virgincar]

Bab Rajan Parrikar wrote : The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs. That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts will be mighty relieved.

Bab Gabe Menezes replied : While it is true, that it ain't over until the fat lady sings; this is what came out now.....

and Bab Gabe followed it up with an excellent newpaper
clip which essentially said : Govt scraps 8 Goa SEZs


My comments :

Belated Birthday greetings, Bab Gabe...many happy returns.
( Rest of posting not specifically directed at you )

I am genuinely confused about this whole SEZ ( and anti-SEZ
business ). To start with , why is Digamber Kamat ( and the
central government ) so keen to have a dialogue with SEZ
promoters ( see link below ) particularly as :
i ) He has already made a grand statement cancelling ALL
SEZ's ( with flower petals being showered on him from all
angles by anti-SEZ activists for this selfless decision ? )
ii ) He has castigated Manohar Parrikar for having a fictitious
dialogue with SEZ promoters ? ( I say fictitious because the
CM has not yet taken the golden opportunity presented to
him to send the vile Manohar Parrikar into political sanyas by
providing facts to back his accusations )

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200802261404.htm


There are a few more extremely vexing problems I have with
understanding this whole issue. To summarise the story so far :

1 ) The whole SEZ thingy appears to be a huge scam in terms
of precious goan land assets and many other aspects.
2 ) The SEZ's were approved during Pratapsinh Rane led Congress
rule ( with Digamber Kamat part of the cabinet which took the
decision , I presume after the deep study required )
3 ) An additional 2 SEZ's were notified by the Digamber Kamat
government ( to add to the only 1 that had already been notified )
AFTER the major anti-SEZ protests started ( and we now know that
cancelling the notified one's is a much more difficult ball game )
4 ) All the names of personalities involved in the SEZ / IT park /
food park scams are Congressmen.
5 ) Above all , the CONGRESS IS IN POWER IN GOA and the ultimate
decision regarding cancelling SEZ's or not lies with the CM.

On the flip side :
1 ) Manohar Parrikar ( along with Matanhy Saldanha , Bab Floriano
Lobo , Soter D'Souza and others were the first to raise their voices
against SEZ's in a big way ).The others like SVM and GBA only
followed after a significant time lag ( in spite of the fact that their
leaders had the huge land scam in front of their noses as part of
the RP2021 committee )
2 ) The actions of the GMAS were almost certainly contributory
to the pressure on the Govenment becoming so intense that the
CM was left with no option but to cancel the SEZ's. Even if the
SVM and GBA are given 99.9 % credit , Manohar Parrikar and the
others from GMAS do deserve at least 0.1 % credit.
3 ) At no stage has Manohar Parrikar supported a single approved
SEZ.
4 ) At no stage has the GMAS stopped others like SVM or GBA
from protesting as well. In fact, unlike the SVM ,they have always
welcomed the others to join them.
5 ) Above all , MANOHAR PARRIKAR and the BJP ARE NOT IN POWER
( and nor are others like Matanhy and Floriano ) and even if they
were paid a few hundred crores each , cannot take the final
decision regarding SEZ's and their future .

The questions which are truely mystifying me are :
A ) Why are the activists and leaders of the SVM and GBA ( and
the local media ) falling head over heels in praising Digamber Kamat
and his goverment to the high heavens for the scrap of ( possible )
good they did in merely making a grand statement that the SEZ's
( which were dumped on Goa by the Congress goverment in the
first place ) were being cancelled ?
B ) Even more puzzling , why are the activists and leaders of the
SVM and GBA ( and the local media ) scraping the barrel to find
anything and everything they can find ( including baseless allegations )
to castigate Manohar Parrikar , the GMAS and the YFG ( when the
political opposition to the Congress government have had no say
in the approval of the SEZ's and cannot stop the cancellation of
SEZ's even if they wished to ) ??


luv and regards,
anand

( Dr Anand Virgincar )


_________________________________________________________________
Get Hotmail on your mobile, text MSN to 63463!
http://mobile.uk.msn.com/pc/mail.aspx

[anand virgincar]

Bab Rajan Parrikar wrote : The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs. That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts will be mighty relieved.

Bab Gabe Menezes replied : While it is true, that it ain't over until the fat lady sings; this is what came out now.....

and Bab Gabe followed it up with an excellent newpaper
clip which essentially said : Govt scraps 8 Goa SEZs


My comments :

Belated Birthday greetings, Bab Gabe...many happy returns.
( Rest of posting not specifically directed at you )

I am genuinely confused about this whole SEZ ( and anti-SEZ
business ). To start with , why is Digamber Kamat ( and the
central government ) so keen to have a dialogue with SEZ
promoters ( see link below ) particularly as :
i ) He has already made a grand statement cancelling ALL
SEZ's ( with flower petals being showered on him from all
angles by anti-SEZ activists for this selfless decision ? )
ii ) He has castigated Manohar Parrikar for having a fictitious
dialogue with SEZ promoters ? ( I say fictitious because the
CM has not yet taken the golden opportunity presented to
him to send the vile Manohar Parrikar into political sanyas by
providing facts to back his accusations )

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200802261404.htm


There are a few more extremely vexing problems I have with
understanding this whole issue. To summarise the story so far :

1 ) The whole SEZ thingy appears to be a huge scam in terms
of precious goan land assets and many other aspects.
2 ) The SEZ's were approved during Pratapsinh Rane led Congress
rule ( with Digamber Kamat part of the cabinet which took the
decision , I presume after the deep study required )
3 ) An additional 2 SEZ's were notified by the Digamber Kamat
government ( to add to the only 1 that had already been notified )
AFTER the major anti-SEZ protests started ( and we now know that
cancelling the notified one's is a much more difficult ball game )
4 ) All the names of personalities involved in the SEZ / IT park /
food park scams are Congressmen.
5 ) Above all , the CONGRESS IS IN POWER IN GOA and the ultimate
decision regarding cancelling SEZ's or not lies with the CM.

On the flip side :
1 ) Manohar Parrikar ( along with Matanhy Saldanha , Bab Floriano
Lobo , Soter D'Souza and others were the first to raise their voices
against SEZ's in a big way ).The others like SVM and GBA only
followed after a significant time lag ( in spite of the fact that their
leaders had the huge land scam in front of their noses as part of
the RP2021 committee )
2 ) The actions of the GMAS were almost certainly contributory
to the pressure on the Govenment becoming so intense that the
CM was left with no option but to cancel the SEZ's. Even if the
SVM and GBA are given 99.9 % credit , Manohar Parrikar and the
others from GMAS do deserve at least 0.1 % credit.
3 ) At no stage has Manohar Parrikar supported a single approved
SEZ.
4 ) At no stage has the GMAS stopped others like SVM or GBA
from protesting as well. In fact, unlike the SVM ,they have always
welcomed the others to join them.
5 ) Above all , MANOHAR PARRIKAR and the BJP ARE NOT IN POWER
( and nor are others like Matanhy and Floriano ) and even if they
were paid a few hundred crores each , cannot take the final
decision regarding SEZ's and their future .

The questions which are truely mystifying me are :
A ) Why are the activists and leaders of the SVM and GBA ( and
the local media ) falling head over heels in praising Digamber Kamat
and his goverment to the high heavens for the scrap of ( possible )
good they did in merely making a grand statement that the SEZ's
( which were dumped on Goa by the Congress goverment in the
first place ) were being cancelled ?
B ) Even more puzzling , why are the activists and leaders of the
SVM and GBA ( and the local media ) scraping the barrel to find
anything and everything they can find ( including baseless allegations )
to castigate Manohar Parrikar , the GMAS and the YFG ( when the
political opposition to the Congress government have had no say
in the approval of the SEZ's and cannot stop the cancellation of
SEZ's even if they wished to ) ??


luv and regards,
anand

( Dr Anand Virgincar )


_________________________________________________________________
Get Hotmail on your mobile, text MSN to 63463!
http://mobile.uk.msn.com/pc/mail.aspx

[anand virgincar]

Bab Rajan Parrikar wrote : The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs. That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts will be mighty relieved.

Bab Gabe Menezes replied : While it is true, that it ain't over until the fat lady sings; this is what came out now.....

and Bab Gabe followed it up with an excellent newpaper
clip which essentially said : Govt scraps 8 Goa SEZs


My comments :

Belated Birthday greetings, Bab Gabe...many happy returns.
( Rest of posting not specifically directed at you )

I am genuinely confused about this whole SEZ ( and anti-SEZ
business ). To start with , why is Digamber Kamat ( and the
central government ) so keen to have a dialogue with SEZ
promoters ( see link below ) particularly as :
i ) He has already made a grand statement cancelling ALL
SEZ's ( with flower petals being showered on him from all
angles by anti-SEZ activists for this selfless decision ? )
ii ) He has castigated Manohar Parrikar for having a fictitious
dialogue with SEZ promoters ? ( I say fictitious because the
CM has not yet taken the golden opportunity presented to
him to send the vile Manohar Parrikar into political sanyas by
providing facts to back his accusations )

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200802261404.htm


There are a few more extremely vexing problems I have with
understanding this whole issue. To summarise the story so far :

1 ) The whole SEZ thingy appears to be a huge scam in terms
of precious goan land assets and many other aspects.
2 ) The SEZ's were approved during Pratapsinh Rane led Congress
rule ( with Digamber Kamat part of the cabinet which took the
decision , I presume after the deep study required )
3 ) An additional 2 SEZ's were notified by the Digamber Kamat
government ( to add to the only 1 that had already been notified )
AFTER the major anti-SEZ protests started ( and we now know that
cancelling the notified one's is a much more difficult ball game )
4 ) All the names of personalities involved in the SEZ / IT park /
food park scams are Congressmen.
5 ) Above all , the CONGRESS IS IN POWER IN GOA and the ultimate
decision regarding cancelling SEZ's or not lies with the CM.

On the flip side :
1 ) Manohar Parrikar ( along with Matanhy Saldanha , Bab Floriano
Lobo , Soter D'Souza and others were the first to raise their voices
against SEZ's in a big way ).The others like SVM and GBA only
followed after a significant time lag ( in spite of the fact that their
leaders had the huge land scam in front of their noses as part of
the RP2021 committee )
2 ) The actions of the GMAS were almost certainly contributory
to the pressure on the Govenment becoming so intense that the
CM was left with no option but to cancel the SEZ's. Even if the
SVM and GBA are given 99.9 % credit , Manohar Parrikar and the
others from GMAS do deserve at least 0.1 % credit.
3 ) At no stage has Manohar Parrikar supported a single approved
SEZ.
4 ) At no stage has the GMAS stopped others like SVM or GBA
from protesting as well. In fact, unlike the SVM ,they have always
welcomed the others to join them.
5 ) Above all , MANOHAR PARRIKAR and the BJP ARE NOT IN POWER
( and nor are others like Matanhy and Floriano ) and even if they
were paid a few hundred crores each , cannot take the final
decision regarding SEZ's and their future .

The questions which are truely mystifying me are :
A ) Why are the activists and leaders of the SVM and GBA ( and
the local media ) falling head over heels in praising Digamber Kamat
and his goverment to the high heavens for the scrap of ( possible )
good they did in merely making a grand statement that the SEZ's
( which were dumped on Goa by the Congress goverment in the
first place ) were being cancelled ?
B ) Even more puzzling , why are the activists and leaders of the
SVM and GBA ( and the local media ) scraping the barrel to find
anything and everything they can find ( including baseless allegations )
to castigate Manohar Parrikar , the GMAS and the YFG ( when the
political opposition to the Congress government have had no say
in the approval of the SEZ's and cannot stop the cancellation of
SEZ's even if they wished to ) ??


luv and regards,
anand

( Dr Anand Virgincar )


_________________________________________________________________
Get Hotmail on your mobile, text MSN to 63463!
http://mobile.uk.msn.com/pc/mail.aspx

[anand virgincar]

Bab Rajan Parrikar wrote : The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs. That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts will be mighty relieved.

Bab Gabe Menezes replied : While it is true, that it ain't over until the fat lady sings; this is what came out now.....

and Bab Gabe followed it up with an excellent newpaper
clip which essentially said : Govt scraps 8 Goa SEZs


My comments :

Belated Birthday greetings, Bab Gabe...many happy returns.
( Rest of posting not specifically directed at you )

I am genuinely confused about this whole SEZ ( and anti-SEZ
business ). To start with , why is Digamber Kamat ( and the
central government ) so keen to have a dialogue with SEZ
promoters ( see link below ) particularly as :
i ) He has already made a grand statement cancelling ALL
SEZ's ( with flower petals being showered on him from all
angles by anti-SEZ activists for this selfless decision ? )
ii ) He has castigated Manohar Parrikar for having a fictitious
dialogue with SEZ promoters ? ( I say fictitious because the
CM has not yet taken the golden opportunity presented to
him to send the vile Manohar Parrikar into political sanyas by
providing facts to back his accusations )

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200802261404.htm


There are a few more extremely vexing problems I have with
understanding this whole issue. To summarise the story so far :

1 ) The whole SEZ thingy appears to be a huge scam in terms
of precious goan land assets and many other aspects.
2 ) The SEZ's were approved during Pratapsinh Rane led Congress
rule ( with Digamber Kamat part of the cabinet which took the
decision , I presume after the deep study required )
3 ) An additional 2 SEZ's were notified by the Digamber Kamat
government ( to add to the only 1 that had already been notified )
AFTER the major anti-SEZ protests started ( and we now know that
cancelling the notified one's is a much more difficult ball game )
4 ) All the names of personalities involved in the SEZ / IT park /
food park scams are Congressmen.
5 ) Above all , the CONGRESS IS IN POWER IN GOA and the ultimate
decision regarding cancelling SEZ's or not lies with the CM.

On the flip side :
1 ) Manohar Parrikar ( along with Matanhy Saldanha , Bab Floriano
Lobo , Soter D'Souza and others were the first to raise their voices
against SEZ's in a big way ).The others like SVM and GBA only
followed after a significant time lag ( in spite of the fact that their
leaders had the huge land scam in front of their noses as part of
the RP2021 committee )
2 ) The actions of the GMAS were almost certainly contributory
to the pressure on the Govenment becoming so intense that the
CM was left with no option but to cancel the SEZ's. Even if the
SVM and GBA are given 99.9 % credit , Manohar Parrikar and the
others from GMAS do deserve at least 0.1 % credit.
3 ) At no stage has Manohar Parrikar supported a single approved
SEZ.
4 ) At no stage has the GMAS stopped others like SVM or GBA
from protesting as well. In fact, unlike the SVM ,they have always
welcomed the others to join them.
5 ) Above all , MANOHAR PARRIKAR and the BJP ARE NOT IN POWER
( and nor are others like Matanhy and Floriano ) and even if they
were paid a few hundred crores each , cannot take the final
decision regarding SEZ's and their future .

The questions which are truely mystifying me are :
A ) Why are the activists and leaders of the SVM and GBA ( and
the local media ) falling head over heels in praising Digamber Kamat
and his goverment to the high heavens for the scrap of ( possible )
good they did in merely making a grand statement that the SEZ's
( which were dumped on Goa by the Congress goverment in the
first place ) were being cancelled ?
B ) Even more puzzling , why are the activists and leaders of the
SVM and GBA ( and the local media ) scraping the barrel to find
anything and everything they can find ( including baseless allegations )
to castigate Manohar Parrikar , the GMAS and the YFG ( when the
political opposition to the Congress government have had no say
in the approval of the SEZ's and cannot stop the cancellation of
SEZ's even if they wished to ) ??


luv and regards,
anand

( Dr Anand Virgincar )


_________________________________________________________________
Get Hotmail on your mobile, text MSN to 63463!
http://mobile.uk.msn.com/pc/mail.aspx

[anand virgincar]

Bab Rajan Parrikar wrote : The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs. That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts will be mighty relieved.

Bab Gabe Menezes replied : While it is true, that it ain't over until the fat lady sings; this is what came out now.....

and Bab Gabe followed it up with an excellent newpaper
clip which essentially said : Govt scraps 8 Goa SEZs


My comments :

Belated Birthday greetings, Bab Gabe...many happy returns.
( Rest of posting not specifically directed at you )

I am genuinely confused about this whole SEZ ( and anti-SEZ
business ). To start with , why is Digamber Kamat ( and the
central government ) so keen to have a dialogue with SEZ
promoters ( see link below ) particularly as :
i ) He has already made a grand statement cancelling ALL
SEZ's ( with flower petals being showered on him from all
angles by anti-SEZ activists for this selfless decision ? )
ii ) He has castigated Manohar Parrikar for having a fictitious
dialogue with SEZ promoters ? ( I say fictitious because the
CM has not yet taken the golden opportunity presented to
him to send the vile Manohar Parrikar into political sanyas by
providing facts to back his accusations )

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200802261404.htm


There are a few more extremely vexing problems I have with
understanding this whole issue. To summarise the story so far :

1 ) The whole SEZ thingy appears to be a huge scam in terms
of precious goan land assets and many other aspects.
2 ) The SEZ's were approved during Pratapsinh Rane led Congress
rule ( with Digamber Kamat part of the cabinet which took the
decision , I presume after the deep study required )
3 ) An additional 2 SEZ's were notified by the Digamber Kamat
government ( to add to the only 1 that had already been notified )
AFTER the major anti-SEZ protests started ( and we now know that
cancelling the notified one's is a much more difficult ball game )
4 ) All the names of personalities involved in the SEZ / IT park /
food park scams are Congressmen.
5 ) Above all , the CONGRESS IS IN POWER IN GOA and the ultimate
decision regarding cancelling SEZ's or not lies with the CM.

On the flip side :
1 ) Manohar Parrikar ( along with Matanhy Saldanha , Bab Floriano
Lobo , Soter D'Souza and others were the first to raise their voices
against SEZ's in a big way ).The others like SVM and GBA only
followed after a significant time lag ( in spite of the fact that their
leaders had the huge land scam in front of their noses as part of
the RP2021 committee )
2 ) The actions of the GMAS were almost certainly contributory
to the pressure on the Govenment becoming so intense that the
CM was left with no option but to cancel the SEZ's. Even if the
SVM and GBA are given 99.9 % credit , Manohar Parrikar and the
others from GMAS do deserve at least 0.1 % credit.
3 ) At no stage has Manohar Parrikar supported a single approved
SEZ.
4 ) At no stage has the GMAS stopped others like SVM or GBA
from protesting as well. In fact, unlike the SVM ,they have always
welcomed the others to join them.
5 ) Above all , MANOHAR PARRIKAR and the BJP ARE NOT IN POWER
( and nor are others like Matanhy and Floriano ) and even if they
were paid a few hundred crores each , cannot take the final
decision regarding SEZ's and their future .

The questions which are truely mystifying me are :
A ) Why are the activists and leaders of the SVM and GBA ( and
the local media ) falling head over heels in praising Digamber Kamat
and his goverment to the high heavens for the scrap of ( possible )
good they did in merely making a grand statement that the SEZ's
( which were dumped on Goa by the Congress goverment in the
first place ) were being cancelled ?
B ) Even more puzzling , why are the activists and leaders of the
SVM and GBA ( and the local media ) scraping the barrel to find
anything and everything they can find ( including baseless allegations )
to castigate Manohar Parrikar , the GMAS and the YFG ( when the
political opposition to the Congress government have had no say
in the approval of the SEZ's and cannot stop the cancellation of
SEZ's even if they wished to ) ??


luv and regards,
anand

( Dr Anand Virgincar )


_________________________________________________________________
Get Hotmail on your mobile, text MSN to 63463!
http://mobile.uk.msn.com/pc/mail.aspx

[Rajan P. Parrikar]

To Goanet -

Post by Bosco D'Mello
Briefly.....Manohar Parrikar's perspective and vision to bring
SEZ/industries to Goa, especially the pharma/bio-focused and IT Parks was a
good one. Unfortunately they were not realised before he was prematurely
disposed as CM. They are certainly environmentally friendlier than the
polluting mines. However the implementation of the SEZ was skewed by the
current government.
As far as GMAS/Mathany is concerned.....the Goanet archives will attest to
Mathany calling SEZ a 'disaster' in July 2003....12 months later Parrikar
inducted him into the cabinet and possibly bought his silence. Now if
Mathany was genuinely against establishing a SEZ in Goa, don't you think he
should have protested at the time in 2003 or 2004 especially when he was
part of the government? If he protested, I have no knowledge of it. Is this
not the same politician who in Sep 2004 promised to quit the cabinet if the
River Princess was not towed away by January 2005? If he quit, it did not
make it to the Goanet Archives either. Oh yes, the Congress opposition at
the time termed the River Princes "an ecological time bomb waiting to
explode causing long term marine pollution besides being an eyesore." BAH!!
It was really surprising to see Parrikar support/be a part of GMAS and
oppose SEZ (in 2007) even though he promoted SEZ as a Chief Miniser (in
2003/04). There is possibly some ambiguity in his stance - he possibly does
support a SEZ policy for Goa but not in the format implemented in the 3
cases.

I had occasion to informally ask Manohar Parrikar about the
allegations that he had supported SEZs earlier. He said that
his position on the issue has been misrepresented in the
media, that his idea was nothing like the massive land scams
perpetrated by the Congress governments, that the tax
situation etc was different during his time, as was his vision
for Goa and Goans.

My own position is that SEZs for Goa are a no-go in any form,
whether they are BJP-sponsored or Kangress-sponsored.

Concerning your remark about Matanhy's silence being
bought: I think it to be highly unlikely. I have not had a
discussion on this matter with Matanhy, so I cannot say
more on this.

The questions you raise are strong, and we have a way
of addressing them. All it takes is one good journalist to
haul his/her video camera and request a one-on-one with
both these leaders, directly capture their version on camera,
and upload the footage to YouTube.

If there are any takers, I can arrange for these sessions
although that shouldn't be necessary given the easy
accessibility of both these men. We can then match their
recorded version with any earlier position (if a credible
report of that is available) and locate discrepancies, if any.

But let us come back to the heart of the matter: what
Manohar Parrikar could have, would have, should have,
might have done apropos of SEZs is in the realm of the
hypothetical. The firm and established reality is that it
is the Congress that brought these SEZ monsters to Goa.
Not 1 or 2 or 3. EIGHTEEN of them !! These Congress
vermin wanted to sell Goa wholesale to outsiders, first
under Pratapsing and then under Digu. And don't
forget the fraud of the RP2011. It is these two post-2005
Congress regimes that have affixed Goa firmly on the
Formula One fast track to doom.

Digambar Kamat sat by silently - willfully and deliberately,
in my emphatic opinion - while another SEZ was notified
on his watch. This is the standard operating procedure of
the political crook who knows that once you push the
project through it is hard to then retract it from the
morass of the legal logjam, that there are later ways and
means of 'regularizing' the violation should it run into
popular turbulence.

I was there on Nov 12, 2007, twice in a single day at Digu's
official residence. First alongside the GBA folks, then in the
afternoon with Matanhy and his GMAS troops. Digu's manner
and attitude said it all. In the first instance, he was told that
an important file pertaining to the Aldeia de Goa project had
gone missing. You would think that the CM would be livid,
at the very least, perturbed, & demand answers from his
bureaucrat (Ahmed Morad), order a probe. Nothing of the
sort happened. Digu instead promised to "study."

This didn't look like a man concerned with the widespread
despoliation of Goa. This wasn't a man keen to get to the
bottom of it all. (But that didn't stop the GBA convener - who
was present at this first meeting - from presenting Digu a
bouquet of warm praise in a newspaper column some
weeks later.)

Same thing happened in the afternoon. Digu again pleaded
he needed to "study" the matter of SEZs. While Digu was busy
"studying," another SEZ was quietly notified. He couldn't
have not known about this.

Warm regards,


r





____________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for last minute shopping deals?
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

[Rajan P. Parrikar]

To Goanet -

The news coming out today is dismal on both the
fronts.

On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs.
That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the
behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts
will be mighty relieved.

On the Regional Plan -
I hear that the new draft has run into turbulence. Digu
and his cohorts want to fashion it in such a manner
that the interests of the real estate lobby and fellow
Kangress colleagues are maximized while Goa is lead
to its ruin. But you shouldn't be shocked. You first
heard it here from me several months ago. What else
did you expect with Digu's bum pal Datta Damodar
Naik in the Task Force? Furthermore, Digu's moles
had long penetrated the GBA.

The fools who thought that Digu had the interests
of Goa and Goans at heart - please stand up. 1, 2,
3, 4, 5,....oh 99.5% of the Goanet class, I see. You
may all sit down now.

Regards,


r





____________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

[Bosco D'Mello]

<On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs. That is, the govt is
buying time, almost surely at the behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his
cohorts will be mighty relieved.>


RESPONSE: Rajan, when you say 'preparing', you are giving the rest of us
some hope that Goa is not dead yet.......:-)

Briefly.....Manohar Parrikar's perspective and vision to bring
SEZ/industries to Goa, especially the pharma/bio-focused and IT Parks was a
good one. Unfortunately they were not realised before he was prematurely
disposed as CM. They are certainly environmentally friendlier than the
polluting mines. However the implementation of the SEZ was skewed by the
current government.

As far as GMAS/Mathany is concerned.....the Goanet archives will attest to
Mathany calling SEZ a 'disaster' in July 2003....12 months later Parrikar
inducted him into the cabinet and possibly bought his silence. Now if
Mathany was genuinely against establishing a SEZ in Goa, don't you think he
should have protested at the time in 2003 or 2004 especially when he was
part of the government? If he protested, I have no knowledge of it. Is this
not the same politician who in Sep 2004 promised to quit the cabinet if the
River Princess was not towed away by January 2005? If he quit, it did not
make it to the Goanet Archives either. Oh yes, the Congress opposition at
the time termed the River Princes "an ecological time bomb waiting to
explode causing long term marine pollution besides being an eyesore." BAH!!

It was really surprising to see Parrikar support/be a part of GMAS and
oppose SEZ (in 2007) even though he promoted SEZ as a Chief Miniser (in
2003/04). There is possibly some ambiguity in his stance - he possibly does
support a SEZ policy for Goa but not in the format implemented in the 3
cases.

As far as cancelling the approved SEZs, are there not legal restrictions to
denotify them?? Some reports indicate they may require some legislative
intervention.

It is unfortunate that grassroots attempts against mining does not seem to
take a hold among the populace like the SEZ issue seems to have.

- Bosco

[Gabe Menezes]

Post by Rajan P. Parrikar
To Goanet -
The news coming out today is dismal on both the
fronts.
On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs.
That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the
behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts
will be mighty relieved.

RESPONSE: While it is true, that it ain't over until the fat lady
sings; this is what came out now.....

Govt scraps 8 Goa SEZs
BS Reporter / New Delhi February 26, 2008
First reversal after last year's protests in the state.

As many as eight Special Economic Zones (SEZs) proposals in Goa were
scrapped at one stroke by the inter-ministerial Board of Approvals,
which met here today. The Board also decided to ask 12 developers in
the state why their zones should not be cancelled.

This is the first incident of a reversal of a Central policy,
following a strong anti-SEZ movement in Goa last year that had
threatened to bring down the Digambar Kamat-led Congress government.

SEZs are underwritten by a central law passed by Parliament in 2005
that permits special taxation and other fiscal benefits to the
developers and the units inside these zones.

The Goa government, on December 31, 2007, had recommended that the
Centre scrap all the zones in the state following widespread public
protests. Anti-SEZ protesters had argued that the zones will put extra
pressure on the already fragile infrastructure in the state and lead
to a dilution of the Goan identity.

Their argument was that ?outsiders? would flood Goa in search of SEZ
jobs that the locals will not be able to fill. This cancellation is
the first time in history that ethnic issues have led to reversal of
central industrial policy.

Formally approved zones that are facing withdrawal of status include
Inox Mercantile Company?s 48-hectare Biotech zone in Verna,
Panchbhoomi Infrastructure Pvt Ltd?s 18.5-hectare infotech zone in
North Goa and a 48-hectare Infotech zone of Paradigm Logistics in
Verna.

?We are following the principle of natural justice and are sending
showcause notices to 12 formally approved zones. Proposals that were
sent by the state and were yet to be considered by the Board of
Approvals will be treated as withdrawn,? said Commerce Secretary Gopal
Krishna Pillai, who heads the board.

Three controversial SEZs in Goa ? Cipla?s Meditab Specialities,
Raheja?s IT/ITeS SEZ and Peninsula Pharma?s bio-tech SEZ ? which were
formally notified were, however, given a temporary reprieve, as the
board decided to launch formal talks with the Goa government on the
issue. The Goa government has been insistent on their denotification
and scrapping.

The commerce ministry believes scrapping zones will send a wrong
signal to foreign investors. The ministry argues that even in the case
of denotification of the three zones, the industrial units built by
the developers will continue to exist.

Sources said that Cipla had already invested more than Rs 200 crore in
building two units at the Meditab zone.

Initially, the commerce ministry was of the view that notified zones
could not be de-notified. But Commerce Minister Kamal Nath had
subsequently said that denotification was an option that could be
exercised. The matter was then referred to the law ministry.

Sources said issues relating to compensation to SEZ developers, as
they have already pumped in money to set up industrial infrastructure,
will have to be addressed.

The commerce ministry is hopeful that even if 20 SEZs in the state are
axed, the three notified SEZs would continue to function.

Former minister Mathany Saldhana, who is leading the anti-SEZ
agitation, said: ?We consider today?s development a partial victory,
but nevertheless the first major step in saving our state that could
have lost its cultural heritage against the tide of the migrants
coming in for jobs. It would also have ruined Goa?s environment.
However, we vow not to rest till the three SEZs that have been
notified are completely withdrawn by the government?.

The Board of Approval today also gave formal approval to 10 zones, and
in-principle approval to 14 other zones spread across the country.

GOA?S PARADISE REGAINED

2007 September-December: Widespread protests in Goa against SEZs. Goa
government recommends to the Centre scrapping of all SEZs in the state
and denotification of three others.

2008 January: Commerce ministry officials say the SEZ Act does not
provide for denotification. Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat meets
Commerce Minister Kamal Nath, who says denotification is possible.
Issue referred to the law ministry.

2008 February: Law ministry says denotification of SEZs involves
compensation of the developers, who have already invested in
construction inside the zones.

Board of Approval decides that proposals of eight zones, which it had
not considered, will stand withdrawn.

Also decides to send showcause notices to 12 other formally and
in-principally approved zones.

http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?autono=315024&leftnm=3&subLeft=0&chkFlg=

[Rajan P. Parrikar]

To Goanet -

Post by Bosco D'Mello
Briefly.....Manohar Parrikar's perspective and vision to bring
SEZ/industries to Goa, especially the pharma/bio-focused and IT Parks was a
good one. Unfortunately they were not realised before he was prematurely
disposed as CM. They are certainly environmentally friendlier than the
polluting mines. However the implementation of the SEZ was skewed by the
current government.
As far as GMAS/Mathany is concerned.....the Goanet archives will attest to
Mathany calling SEZ a 'disaster' in July 2003....12 months later Parrikar
inducted him into the cabinet and possibly bought his silence. Now if
Mathany was genuinely against establishing a SEZ in Goa, don't you think he
should have protested at the time in 2003 or 2004 especially when he was
part of the government? If he protested, I have no knowledge of it. Is this
not the same politician who in Sep 2004 promised to quit the cabinet if the
River Princess was not towed away by January 2005? If he quit, it did not
make it to the Goanet Archives either. Oh yes, the Congress opposition at
the time termed the River Princes "an ecological time bomb waiting to
explode causing long term marine pollution besides being an eyesore." BAH!!
It was really surprising to see Parrikar support/be a part of GMAS and
oppose SEZ (in 2007) even though he promoted SEZ as a Chief Miniser (in
2003/04). There is possibly some ambiguity in his stance - he possibly does
support a SEZ policy for Goa but not in the format implemented in the 3
cases.

I had occasion to informally ask Manohar Parrikar about the
allegations that he had supported SEZs earlier. He said that
his position on the issue has been misrepresented in the
media, that his idea was nothing like the massive land scams
perpetrated by the Congress governments, that the tax
situation etc was different during his time, as was his vision
for Goa and Goans.

My own position is that SEZs for Goa are a no-go in any form,
whether they are BJP-sponsored or Kangress-sponsored.

Concerning your remark about Matanhy's silence being
bought: I think it to be highly unlikely. I have not had a
discussion on this matter with Matanhy, so I cannot say
more on this.

The questions you raise are strong, and we have a way
of addressing them. All it takes is one good journalist to
haul his/her video camera and request a one-on-one with
both these leaders, directly capture their version on camera,
and upload the footage to YouTube.

If there are any takers, I can arrange for these sessions
although that shouldn't be necessary given the easy
accessibility of both these men. We can then match their
recorded version with any earlier position (if a credible
report of that is available) and locate discrepancies, if any.

But let us come back to the heart of the matter: what
Manohar Parrikar could have, would have, should have,
might have done apropos of SEZs is in the realm of the
hypothetical. The firm and established reality is that it
is the Congress that brought these SEZ monsters to Goa.
Not 1 or 2 or 3. EIGHTEEN of them !! These Congress
vermin wanted to sell Goa wholesale to outsiders, first
under Pratapsing and then under Digu. And don't
forget the fraud of the RP2011. It is these two post-2005
Congress regimes that have affixed Goa firmly on the
Formula One fast track to doom.

Digambar Kamat sat by silently - willfully and deliberately,
in my emphatic opinion - while another SEZ was notified
on his watch. This is the standard operating procedure of
the political crook who knows that once you push the
project through it is hard to then retract it from the
morass of the legal logjam, that there are later ways and
means of 'regularizing' the violation should it run into
popular turbulence.

I was there on Nov 12, 2007, twice in a single day at Digu's
official residence. First alongside the GBA folks, then in the
afternoon with Matanhy and his GMAS troops. Digu's manner
and attitude said it all. In the first instance, he was told that
an important file pertaining to the Aldeia de Goa project had
gone missing. You would think that the CM would be livid,
at the very least, perturbed, & demand answers from his
bureaucrat (Ahmed Morad), order a probe. Nothing of the
sort happened. Digu instead promised to "study."

This didn't look like a man concerned with the widespread
despoliation of Goa. This wasn't a man keen to get to the
bottom of it all. (But that didn't stop the GBA convener - who
was present at this first meeting - from presenting Digu a
bouquet of warm praise in a newspaper column some
weeks later.)

Same thing happened in the afternoon. Digu again pleaded
he needed to "study" the matter of SEZs. While Digu was busy
"studying," another SEZ was quietly notified. He couldn't
have not known about this.

Warm regards,


r





____________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for last minute shopping deals?
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

[Rajan P. Parrikar]

To Goanet -

The news coming out today is dismal on both the
fronts.

On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs.
That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the
behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts
will be mighty relieved.

On the Regional Plan -
I hear that the new draft has run into turbulence. Digu
and his cohorts want to fashion it in such a manner
that the interests of the real estate lobby and fellow
Kangress colleagues are maximized while Goa is lead
to its ruin. But you shouldn't be shocked. You first
heard it here from me several months ago. What else
did you expect with Digu's bum pal Datta Damodar
Naik in the Task Force? Furthermore, Digu's moles
had long penetrated the GBA.

The fools who thought that Digu had the interests
of Goa and Goans at heart - please stand up. 1, 2,
3, 4, 5,....oh 99.5% of the Goanet class, I see. You
may all sit down now.

Regards,


r





____________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

[Bosco D'Mello]

<On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs. That is, the govt is
buying time, almost surely at the behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his
cohorts will be mighty relieved.>


RESPONSE: Rajan, when you say 'preparing', you are giving the rest of us
some hope that Goa is not dead yet.......:-)

Briefly.....Manohar Parrikar's perspective and vision to bring
SEZ/industries to Goa, especially the pharma/bio-focused and IT Parks was a
good one. Unfortunately they were not realised before he was prematurely
disposed as CM. They are certainly environmentally friendlier than the
polluting mines. However the implementation of the SEZ was skewed by the
current government.

As far as GMAS/Mathany is concerned.....the Goanet archives will attest to
Mathany calling SEZ a 'disaster' in July 2003....12 months later Parrikar
inducted him into the cabinet and possibly bought his silence. Now if
Mathany was genuinely against establishing a SEZ in Goa, don't you think he
should have protested at the time in 2003 or 2004 especially when he was
part of the government? If he protested, I have no knowledge of it. Is this
not the same politician who in Sep 2004 promised to quit the cabinet if the
River Princess was not towed away by January 2005? If he quit, it did not
make it to the Goanet Archives either. Oh yes, the Congress opposition at
the time termed the River Princes "an ecological time bomb waiting to
explode causing long term marine pollution besides being an eyesore." BAH!!

It was really surprising to see Parrikar support/be a part of GMAS and
oppose SEZ (in 2007) even though he promoted SEZ as a Chief Miniser (in
2003/04). There is possibly some ambiguity in his stance - he possibly does
support a SEZ policy for Goa but not in the format implemented in the 3
cases.

As far as cancelling the approved SEZs, are there not legal restrictions to
denotify them?? Some reports indicate they may require some legislative
intervention.

It is unfortunate that grassroots attempts against mining does not seem to
take a hold among the populace like the SEZ issue seems to have.

- Bosco

[Gabe Menezes]

Post by Rajan P. Parrikar
To Goanet -
The news coming out today is dismal on both the
fronts.
On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs.
That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the
behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts
will be mighty relieved.

RESPONSE: While it is true, that it ain't over until the fat lady
sings; this is what came out now.....

Govt scraps 8 Goa SEZs
BS Reporter / New Delhi February 26, 2008
First reversal after last year's protests in the state.

As many as eight Special Economic Zones (SEZs) proposals in Goa were
scrapped at one stroke by the inter-ministerial Board of Approvals,
which met here today. The Board also decided to ask 12 developers in
the state why their zones should not be cancelled.

This is the first incident of a reversal of a Central policy,
following a strong anti-SEZ movement in Goa last year that had
threatened to bring down the Digambar Kamat-led Congress government.

SEZs are underwritten by a central law passed by Parliament in 2005
that permits special taxation and other fiscal benefits to the
developers and the units inside these zones.

The Goa government, on December 31, 2007, had recommended that the
Centre scrap all the zones in the state following widespread public
protests. Anti-SEZ protesters had argued that the zones will put extra
pressure on the already fragile infrastructure in the state and lead
to a dilution of the Goan identity.

Their argument was that ?outsiders? would flood Goa in search of SEZ
jobs that the locals will not be able to fill. This cancellation is
the first time in history that ethnic issues have led to reversal of
central industrial policy.

Formally approved zones that are facing withdrawal of status include
Inox Mercantile Company?s 48-hectare Biotech zone in Verna,
Panchbhoomi Infrastructure Pvt Ltd?s 18.5-hectare infotech zone in
North Goa and a 48-hectare Infotech zone of Paradigm Logistics in
Verna.

?We are following the principle of natural justice and are sending
showcause notices to 12 formally approved zones. Proposals that were
sent by the state and were yet to be considered by the Board of
Approvals will be treated as withdrawn,? said Commerce Secretary Gopal
Krishna Pillai, who heads the board.

Three controversial SEZs in Goa ? Cipla?s Meditab Specialities,
Raheja?s IT/ITeS SEZ and Peninsula Pharma?s bio-tech SEZ ? which were
formally notified were, however, given a temporary reprieve, as the
board decided to launch formal talks with the Goa government on the
issue. The Goa government has been insistent on their denotification
and scrapping.

The commerce ministry believes scrapping zones will send a wrong
signal to foreign investors. The ministry argues that even in the case
of denotification of the three zones, the industrial units built by
the developers will continue to exist.

Sources said that Cipla had already invested more than Rs 200 crore in
building two units at the Meditab zone.

Initially, the commerce ministry was of the view that notified zones
could not be de-notified. But Commerce Minister Kamal Nath had
subsequently said that denotification was an option that could be
exercised. The matter was then referred to the law ministry.

Sources said issues relating to compensation to SEZ developers, as
they have already pumped in money to set up industrial infrastructure,
will have to be addressed.

The commerce ministry is hopeful that even if 20 SEZs in the state are
axed, the three notified SEZs would continue to function.

Former minister Mathany Saldhana, who is leading the anti-SEZ
agitation, said: ?We consider today?s development a partial victory,
but nevertheless the first major step in saving our state that could
have lost its cultural heritage against the tide of the migrants
coming in for jobs. It would also have ruined Goa?s environment.
However, we vow not to rest till the three SEZs that have been
notified are completely withdrawn by the government?.

The Board of Approval today also gave formal approval to 10 zones, and
in-principle approval to 14 other zones spread across the country.

GOA?S PARADISE REGAINED

2007 September-December: Widespread protests in Goa against SEZs. Goa
government recommends to the Centre scrapping of all SEZs in the state
and denotification of three others.

2008 January: Commerce ministry officials say the SEZ Act does not
provide for denotification. Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat meets
Commerce Minister Kamal Nath, who says denotification is possible.
Issue referred to the law ministry.

2008 February: Law ministry says denotification of SEZs involves
compensation of the developers, who have already invested in
construction inside the zones.

Board of Approval decides that proposals of eight zones, which it had
not considered, will stand withdrawn.

Also decides to send showcause notices to 12 other formally and
in-principally approved zones.

http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?autono=315024&leftnm=3&subLeft=0&chkFlg=

[Rajan P. Parrikar]

To Goanet -

Post by Bosco D'Mello
Briefly.....Manohar Parrikar's perspective and vision to bring
SEZ/industries to Goa, especially the pharma/bio-focused and IT Parks was a
good one. Unfortunately they were not realised before he was prematurely
disposed as CM. They are certainly environmentally friendlier than the
polluting mines. However the implementation of the SEZ was skewed by the
current government.
As far as GMAS/Mathany is concerned.....the Goanet archives will attest to
Mathany calling SEZ a 'disaster' in July 2003....12 months later Parrikar
inducted him into the cabinet and possibly bought his silence. Now if
Mathany was genuinely against establishing a SEZ in Goa, don't you think he
should have protested at the time in 2003 or 2004 especially when he was
part of the government? If he protested, I have no knowledge of it. Is this
not the same politician who in Sep 2004 promised to quit the cabinet if the
River Princess was not towed away by January 2005? If he quit, it did not
make it to the Goanet Archives either. Oh yes, the Congress opposition at
the time termed the River Princes "an ecological time bomb waiting to
explode causing long term marine pollution besides being an eyesore." BAH!!
It was really surprising to see Parrikar support/be a part of GMAS and
oppose SEZ (in 2007) even though he promoted SEZ as a Chief Miniser (in
2003/04). There is possibly some ambiguity in his stance - he possibly does
support a SEZ policy for Goa but not in the format implemented in the 3
cases.

I had occasion to informally ask Manohar Parrikar about the
allegations that he had supported SEZs earlier. He said that
his position on the issue has been misrepresented in the
media, that his idea was nothing like the massive land scams
perpetrated by the Congress governments, that the tax
situation etc was different during his time, as was his vision
for Goa and Goans.

My own position is that SEZs for Goa are a no-go in any form,
whether they are BJP-sponsored or Kangress-sponsored.

Concerning your remark about Matanhy's silence being
bought: I think it to be highly unlikely. I have not had a
discussion on this matter with Matanhy, so I cannot say
more on this.

The questions you raise are strong, and we have a way
of addressing them. All it takes is one good journalist to
haul his/her video camera and request a one-on-one with
both these leaders, directly capture their version on camera,
and upload the footage to YouTube.

If there are any takers, I can arrange for these sessions
although that shouldn't be necessary given the easy
accessibility of both these men. We can then match their
recorded version with any earlier position (if a credible
report of that is available) and locate discrepancies, if any.

But let us come back to the heart of the matter: what
Manohar Parrikar could have, would have, should have,
might have done apropos of SEZs is in the realm of the
hypothetical. The firm and established reality is that it
is the Congress that brought these SEZ monsters to Goa.
Not 1 or 2 or 3. EIGHTEEN of them !! These Congress
vermin wanted to sell Goa wholesale to outsiders, first
under Pratapsing and then under Digu. And don't
forget the fraud of the RP2011. It is these two post-2005
Congress regimes that have affixed Goa firmly on the
Formula One fast track to doom.

Digambar Kamat sat by silently - willfully and deliberately,
in my emphatic opinion - while another SEZ was notified
on his watch. This is the standard operating procedure of
the political crook who knows that once you push the
project through it is hard to then retract it from the
morass of the legal logjam, that there are later ways and
means of 'regularizing' the violation should it run into
popular turbulence.

I was there on Nov 12, 2007, twice in a single day at Digu's
official residence. First alongside the GBA folks, then in the
afternoon with Matanhy and his GMAS troops. Digu's manner
and attitude said it all. In the first instance, he was told that
an important file pertaining to the Aldeia de Goa project had
gone missing. You would think that the CM would be livid,
at the very least, perturbed, & demand answers from his
bureaucrat (Ahmed Morad), order a probe. Nothing of the
sort happened. Digu instead promised to "study."

This didn't look like a man concerned with the widespread
despoliation of Goa. This wasn't a man keen to get to the
bottom of it all. (But that didn't stop the GBA convener - who
was present at this first meeting - from presenting Digu a
bouquet of warm praise in a newspaper column some
weeks later.)

Same thing happened in the afternoon. Digu again pleaded
he needed to "study" the matter of SEZs. While Digu was busy
"studying," another SEZ was quietly notified. He couldn't
have not known about this.

Warm regards,


r





____________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for last minute shopping deals?
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

[Rajan P. Parrikar]

To Goanet -

The news coming out today is dismal on both the
fronts.

On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs.
That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the
behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts
will be mighty relieved.

On the Regional Plan -
I hear that the new draft has run into turbulence. Digu
and his cohorts want to fashion it in such a manner
that the interests of the real estate lobby and fellow
Kangress colleagues are maximized while Goa is lead
to its ruin. But you shouldn't be shocked. You first
heard it here from me several months ago. What else
did you expect with Digu's bum pal Datta Damodar
Naik in the Task Force? Furthermore, Digu's moles
had long penetrated the GBA.

The fools who thought that Digu had the interests
of Goa and Goans at heart - please stand up. 1, 2,
3, 4, 5,....oh 99.5% of the Goanet class, I see. You
may all sit down now.

Regards,


r





____________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

[Bosco D'Mello]

<On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs. That is, the govt is
buying time, almost surely at the behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his
cohorts will be mighty relieved.>


RESPONSE: Rajan, when you say 'preparing', you are giving the rest of us
some hope that Goa is not dead yet.......:-)

Briefly.....Manohar Parrikar's perspective and vision to bring
SEZ/industries to Goa, especially the pharma/bio-focused and IT Parks was a
good one. Unfortunately they were not realised before he was prematurely
disposed as CM. They are certainly environmentally friendlier than the
polluting mines. However the implementation of the SEZ was skewed by the
current government.

As far as GMAS/Mathany is concerned.....the Goanet archives will attest to
Mathany calling SEZ a 'disaster' in July 2003....12 months later Parrikar
inducted him into the cabinet and possibly bought his silence. Now if
Mathany was genuinely against establishing a SEZ in Goa, don't you think he
should have protested at the time in 2003 or 2004 especially when he was
part of the government? If he protested, I have no knowledge of it. Is this
not the same politician who in Sep 2004 promised to quit the cabinet if the
River Princess was not towed away by January 2005? If he quit, it did not
make it to the Goanet Archives either. Oh yes, the Congress opposition at
the time termed the River Princes "an ecological time bomb waiting to
explode causing long term marine pollution besides being an eyesore." BAH!!

It was really surprising to see Parrikar support/be a part of GMAS and
oppose SEZ (in 2007) even though he promoted SEZ as a Chief Miniser (in
2003/04). There is possibly some ambiguity in his stance - he possibly does
support a SEZ policy for Goa but not in the format implemented in the 3
cases.

As far as cancelling the approved SEZs, are there not legal restrictions to
denotify them?? Some reports indicate they may require some legislative
intervention.

It is unfortunate that grassroots attempts against mining does not seem to
take a hold among the populace like the SEZ issue seems to have.

- Bosco

[Gabe Menezes]

Post by Rajan P. Parrikar
To Goanet -
The news coming out today is dismal on both the
fronts.
On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs.
That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the
behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts
will be mighty relieved.

RESPONSE: While it is true, that it ain't over until the fat lady
sings; this is what came out now.....

Govt scraps 8 Goa SEZs
BS Reporter / New Delhi February 26, 2008
First reversal after last year's protests in the state.

As many as eight Special Economic Zones (SEZs) proposals in Goa were
scrapped at one stroke by the inter-ministerial Board of Approvals,
which met here today. The Board also decided to ask 12 developers in
the state why their zones should not be cancelled.

This is the first incident of a reversal of a Central policy,
following a strong anti-SEZ movement in Goa last year that had
threatened to bring down the Digambar Kamat-led Congress government.

SEZs are underwritten by a central law passed by Parliament in 2005
that permits special taxation and other fiscal benefits to the
developers and the units inside these zones.

The Goa government, on December 31, 2007, had recommended that the
Centre scrap all the zones in the state following widespread public
protests. Anti-SEZ protesters had argued that the zones will put extra
pressure on the already fragile infrastructure in the state and lead
to a dilution of the Goan identity.

Their argument was that ?outsiders? would flood Goa in search of SEZ
jobs that the locals will not be able to fill. This cancellation is
the first time in history that ethnic issues have led to reversal of
central industrial policy.

Formally approved zones that are facing withdrawal of status include
Inox Mercantile Company?s 48-hectare Biotech zone in Verna,
Panchbhoomi Infrastructure Pvt Ltd?s 18.5-hectare infotech zone in
North Goa and a 48-hectare Infotech zone of Paradigm Logistics in
Verna.

?We are following the principle of natural justice and are sending
showcause notices to 12 formally approved zones. Proposals that were
sent by the state and were yet to be considered by the Board of
Approvals will be treated as withdrawn,? said Commerce Secretary Gopal
Krishna Pillai, who heads the board.

Three controversial SEZs in Goa ? Cipla?s Meditab Specialities,
Raheja?s IT/ITeS SEZ and Peninsula Pharma?s bio-tech SEZ ? which were
formally notified were, however, given a temporary reprieve, as the
board decided to launch formal talks with the Goa government on the
issue. The Goa government has been insistent on their denotification
and scrapping.

The commerce ministry believes scrapping zones will send a wrong
signal to foreign investors. The ministry argues that even in the case
of denotification of the three zones, the industrial units built by
the developers will continue to exist.

Sources said that Cipla had already invested more than Rs 200 crore in
building two units at the Meditab zone.

Initially, the commerce ministry was of the view that notified zones
could not be de-notified. But Commerce Minister Kamal Nath had
subsequently said that denotification was an option that could be
exercised. The matter was then referred to the law ministry.

Sources said issues relating to compensation to SEZ developers, as
they have already pumped in money to set up industrial infrastructure,
will have to be addressed.

The commerce ministry is hopeful that even if 20 SEZs in the state are
axed, the three notified SEZs would continue to function.

Former minister Mathany Saldhana, who is leading the anti-SEZ
agitation, said: ?We consider today?s development a partial victory,
but nevertheless the first major step in saving our state that could
have lost its cultural heritage against the tide of the migrants
coming in for jobs. It would also have ruined Goa?s environment.
However, we vow not to rest till the three SEZs that have been
notified are completely withdrawn by the government?.

The Board of Approval today also gave formal approval to 10 zones, and
in-principle approval to 14 other zones spread across the country.

GOA?S PARADISE REGAINED

2007 September-December: Widespread protests in Goa against SEZs. Goa
government recommends to the Centre scrapping of all SEZs in the state
and denotification of three others.

2008 January: Commerce ministry officials say the SEZ Act does not
provide for denotification. Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat meets
Commerce Minister Kamal Nath, who says denotification is possible.
Issue referred to the law ministry.

2008 February: Law ministry says denotification of SEZs involves
compensation of the developers, who have already invested in
construction inside the zones.

Board of Approval decides that proposals of eight zones, which it had
not considered, will stand withdrawn.

Also decides to send showcause notices to 12 other formally and
in-principally approved zones.

http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?autono=315024&leftnm=3&subLeft=0&chkFlg=

[Rajan P. Parrikar]

To Goanet -

Post by Bosco D'Mello
Briefly.....Manohar Parrikar's perspective and vision to bring
SEZ/industries to Goa, especially the pharma/bio-focused and IT Parks was a
good one. Unfortunately they were not realised before he was prematurely
disposed as CM. They are certainly environmentally friendlier than the
polluting mines. However the implementation of the SEZ was skewed by the
current government.
As far as GMAS/Mathany is concerned.....the Goanet archives will attest to
Mathany calling SEZ a 'disaster' in July 2003....12 months later Parrikar
inducted him into the cabinet and possibly bought his silence. Now if
Mathany was genuinely against establishing a SEZ in Goa, don't you think he
should have protested at the time in 2003 or 2004 especially when he was
part of the government? If he protested, I have no knowledge of it. Is this
not the same politician who in Sep 2004 promised to quit the cabinet if the
River Princess was not towed away by January 2005? If he quit, it did not
make it to the Goanet Archives either. Oh yes, the Congress opposition at
the time termed the River Princes "an ecological time bomb waiting to
explode causing long term marine pollution besides being an eyesore." BAH!!
It was really surprising to see Parrikar support/be a part of GMAS and
oppose SEZ (in 2007) even though he promoted SEZ as a Chief Miniser (in
2003/04). There is possibly some ambiguity in his stance - he possibly does
support a SEZ policy for Goa but not in the format implemented in the 3
cases.

I had occasion to informally ask Manohar Parrikar about the
allegations that he had supported SEZs earlier. He said that
his position on the issue has been misrepresented in the
media, that his idea was nothing like the massive land scams
perpetrated by the Congress governments, that the tax
situation etc was different during his time, as was his vision
for Goa and Goans.

My own position is that SEZs for Goa are a no-go in any form,
whether they are BJP-sponsored or Kangress-sponsored.

Concerning your remark about Matanhy's silence being
bought: I think it to be highly unlikely. I have not had a
discussion on this matter with Matanhy, so I cannot say
more on this.

The questions you raise are strong, and we have a way
of addressing them. All it takes is one good journalist to
haul his/her video camera and request a one-on-one with
both these leaders, directly capture their version on camera,
and upload the footage to YouTube.

If there are any takers, I can arrange for these sessions
although that shouldn't be necessary given the easy
accessibility of both these men. We can then match their
recorded version with any earlier position (if a credible
report of that is available) and locate discrepancies, if any.

But let us come back to the heart of the matter: what
Manohar Parrikar could have, would have, should have,
might have done apropos of SEZs is in the realm of the
hypothetical. The firm and established reality is that it
is the Congress that brought these SEZ monsters to Goa.
Not 1 or 2 or 3. EIGHTEEN of them !! These Congress
vermin wanted to sell Goa wholesale to outsiders, first
under Pratapsing and then under Digu. And don't
forget the fraud of the RP2011. It is these two post-2005
Congress regimes that have affixed Goa firmly on the
Formula One fast track to doom.

Digambar Kamat sat by silently - willfully and deliberately,
in my emphatic opinion - while another SEZ was notified
on his watch. This is the standard operating procedure of
the political crook who knows that once you push the
project through it is hard to then retract it from the
morass of the legal logjam, that there are later ways and
means of 'regularizing' the violation should it run into
popular turbulence.

I was there on Nov 12, 2007, twice in a single day at Digu's
official residence. First alongside the GBA folks, then in the
afternoon with Matanhy and his GMAS troops. Digu's manner
and attitude said it all. In the first instance, he was told that
an important file pertaining to the Aldeia de Goa project had
gone missing. You would think that the CM would be livid,
at the very least, perturbed, & demand answers from his
bureaucrat (Ahmed Morad), order a probe. Nothing of the
sort happened. Digu instead promised to "study."

This didn't look like a man concerned with the widespread
despoliation of Goa. This wasn't a man keen to get to the
bottom of it all. (But that didn't stop the GBA convener - who
was present at this first meeting - from presenting Digu a
bouquet of warm praise in a newspaper column some
weeks later.)

Same thing happened in the afternoon. Digu again pleaded
he needed to "study" the matter of SEZs. While Digu was busy
"studying," another SEZ was quietly notified. He couldn't
have not known about this.

Warm regards,


r





____________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for last minute shopping deals?
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

[Rajan P. Parrikar]

To Goanet -

The news coming out today is dismal on both the
fronts.

On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs.
That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the
behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts
will be mighty relieved.

On the Regional Plan -
I hear that the new draft has run into turbulence. Digu
and his cohorts want to fashion it in such a manner
that the interests of the real estate lobby and fellow
Kangress colleagues are maximized while Goa is lead
to its ruin. But you shouldn't be shocked. You first
heard it here from me several months ago. What else
did you expect with Digu's bum pal Datta Damodar
Naik in the Task Force? Furthermore, Digu's moles
had long penetrated the GBA.

The fools who thought that Digu had the interests
of Goa and Goans at heart - please stand up. 1, 2,
3, 4, 5,....oh 99.5% of the Goanet class, I see. You
may all sit down now.

Regards,


r





____________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

[Bosco D'Mello]

<On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs. That is, the govt is
buying time, almost surely at the behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his
cohorts will be mighty relieved.>


RESPONSE: Rajan, when you say 'preparing', you are giving the rest of us
some hope that Goa is not dead yet.......:-)

Briefly.....Manohar Parrikar's perspective and vision to bring
SEZ/industries to Goa, especially the pharma/bio-focused and IT Parks was a
good one. Unfortunately they were not realised before he was prematurely
disposed as CM. They are certainly environmentally friendlier than the
polluting mines. However the implementation of the SEZ was skewed by the
current government.

As far as GMAS/Mathany is concerned.....the Goanet archives will attest to
Mathany calling SEZ a 'disaster' in July 2003....12 months later Parrikar
inducted him into the cabinet and possibly bought his silence. Now if
Mathany was genuinely against establishing a SEZ in Goa, don't you think he
should have protested at the time in 2003 or 2004 especially when he was
part of the government? If he protested, I have no knowledge of it. Is this
not the same politician who in Sep 2004 promised to quit the cabinet if the
River Princess was not towed away by January 2005? If he quit, it did not
make it to the Goanet Archives either. Oh yes, the Congress opposition at
the time termed the River Princes "an ecological time bomb waiting to
explode causing long term marine pollution besides being an eyesore." BAH!!

It was really surprising to see Parrikar support/be a part of GMAS and
oppose SEZ (in 2007) even though he promoted SEZ as a Chief Miniser (in
2003/04). There is possibly some ambiguity in his stance - he possibly does
support a SEZ policy for Goa but not in the format implemented in the 3
cases.

As far as cancelling the approved SEZs, are there not legal restrictions to
denotify them?? Some reports indicate they may require some legislative
intervention.

It is unfortunate that grassroots attempts against mining does not seem to
take a hold among the populace like the SEZ issue seems to have.

- Bosco

[Gabe Menezes]

Post by Rajan P. Parrikar
To Goanet -
The news coming out today is dismal on both the
fronts.
On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs.
That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the
behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts
will be mighty relieved.

RESPONSE: While it is true, that it ain't over until the fat lady
sings; this is what came out now.....

Govt scraps 8 Goa SEZs
BS Reporter / New Delhi February 26, 2008
First reversal after last year's protests in the state.

As many as eight Special Economic Zones (SEZs) proposals in Goa were
scrapped at one stroke by the inter-ministerial Board of Approvals,
which met here today. The Board also decided to ask 12 developers in
the state why their zones should not be cancelled.

This is the first incident of a reversal of a Central policy,
following a strong anti-SEZ movement in Goa last year that had
threatened to bring down the Digambar Kamat-led Congress government.

SEZs are underwritten by a central law passed by Parliament in 2005
that permits special taxation and other fiscal benefits to the
developers and the units inside these zones.

The Goa government, on December 31, 2007, had recommended that the
Centre scrap all the zones in the state following widespread public
protests. Anti-SEZ protesters had argued that the zones will put extra
pressure on the already fragile infrastructure in the state and lead
to a dilution of the Goan identity.

Their argument was that ?outsiders? would flood Goa in search of SEZ
jobs that the locals will not be able to fill. This cancellation is
the first time in history that ethnic issues have led to reversal of
central industrial policy.

Formally approved zones that are facing withdrawal of status include
Inox Mercantile Company?s 48-hectare Biotech zone in Verna,
Panchbhoomi Infrastructure Pvt Ltd?s 18.5-hectare infotech zone in
North Goa and a 48-hectare Infotech zone of Paradigm Logistics in
Verna.

?We are following the principle of natural justice and are sending
showcause notices to 12 formally approved zones. Proposals that were
sent by the state and were yet to be considered by the Board of
Approvals will be treated as withdrawn,? said Commerce Secretary Gopal
Krishna Pillai, who heads the board.

Three controversial SEZs in Goa ? Cipla?s Meditab Specialities,
Raheja?s IT/ITeS SEZ and Peninsula Pharma?s bio-tech SEZ ? which were
formally notified were, however, given a temporary reprieve, as the
board decided to launch formal talks with the Goa government on the
issue. The Goa government has been insistent on their denotification
and scrapping.

The commerce ministry believes scrapping zones will send a wrong
signal to foreign investors. The ministry argues that even in the case
of denotification of the three zones, the industrial units built by
the developers will continue to exist.

Sources said that Cipla had already invested more than Rs 200 crore in
building two units at the Meditab zone.

Initially, the commerce ministry was of the view that notified zones
could not be de-notified. But Commerce Minister Kamal Nath had
subsequently said that denotification was an option that could be
exercised. The matter was then referred to the law ministry.

Sources said issues relating to compensation to SEZ developers, as
they have already pumped in money to set up industrial infrastructure,
will have to be addressed.

The commerce ministry is hopeful that even if 20 SEZs in the state are
axed, the three notified SEZs would continue to function.

Former minister Mathany Saldhana, who is leading the anti-SEZ
agitation, said: ?We consider today?s development a partial victory,
but nevertheless the first major step in saving our state that could
have lost its cultural heritage against the tide of the migrants
coming in for jobs. It would also have ruined Goa?s environment.
However, we vow not to rest till the three SEZs that have been
notified are completely withdrawn by the government?.

The Board of Approval today also gave formal approval to 10 zones, and
in-principle approval to 14 other zones spread across the country.

GOA?S PARADISE REGAINED

2007 September-December: Widespread protests in Goa against SEZs. Goa
government recommends to the Centre scrapping of all SEZs in the state
and denotification of three others.

2008 January: Commerce ministry officials say the SEZ Act does not
provide for denotification. Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat meets
Commerce Minister Kamal Nath, who says denotification is possible.
Issue referred to the law ministry.

2008 February: Law ministry says denotification of SEZs involves
compensation of the developers, who have already invested in
construction inside the zones.

Board of Approval decides that proposals of eight zones, which it had
not considered, will stand withdrawn.

Also decides to send showcause notices to 12 other formally and
in-principally approved zones.

http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?autono=315024&leftnm=3&subLeft=0&chkFlg=

[Rajan P. Parrikar]

To Goanet -

Post by Bosco D'Mello
Briefly.....Manohar Parrikar's perspective and vision to bring
SEZ/industries to Goa, especially the pharma/bio-focused and IT Parks was a
good one. Unfortunately they were not realised before he was prematurely
disposed as CM. They are certainly environmentally friendlier than the
polluting mines. However the implementation of the SEZ was skewed by the
current government.
As far as GMAS/Mathany is concerned.....the Goanet archives will attest to
Mathany calling SEZ a 'disaster' in July 2003....12 months later Parrikar
inducted him into the cabinet and possibly bought his silence. Now if
Mathany was genuinely against establishing a SEZ in Goa, don't you think he
should have protested at the time in 2003 or 2004 especially when he was
part of the government? If he protested, I have no knowledge of it. Is this
not the same politician who in Sep 2004 promised to quit the cabinet if the
River Princess was not towed away by January 2005? If he quit, it did not
make it to the Goanet Archives either. Oh yes, the Congress opposition at
the time termed the River Princes "an ecological time bomb waiting to
explode causing long term marine pollution besides being an eyesore." BAH!!
It was really surprising to see Parrikar support/be a part of GMAS and
oppose SEZ (in 2007) even though he promoted SEZ as a Chief Miniser (in
2003/04). There is possibly some ambiguity in his stance - he possibly does
support a SEZ policy for Goa but not in the format implemented in the 3
cases.

I had occasion to informally ask Manohar Parrikar about the
allegations that he had supported SEZs earlier. He said that
his position on the issue has been misrepresented in the
media, that his idea was nothing like the massive land scams
perpetrated by the Congress governments, that the tax
situation etc was different during his time, as was his vision
for Goa and Goans.

My own position is that SEZs for Goa are a no-go in any form,
whether they are BJP-sponsored or Kangress-sponsored.

Concerning your remark about Matanhy's silence being
bought: I think it to be highly unlikely. I have not had a
discussion on this matter with Matanhy, so I cannot say
more on this.

The questions you raise are strong, and we have a way
of addressing them. All it takes is one good journalist to
haul his/her video camera and request a one-on-one with
both these leaders, directly capture their version on camera,
and upload the footage to YouTube.

If there are any takers, I can arrange for these sessions
although that shouldn't be necessary given the easy
accessibility of both these men. We can then match their
recorded version with any earlier position (if a credible
report of that is available) and locate discrepancies, if any.

But let us come back to the heart of the matter: what
Manohar Parrikar could have, would have, should have,
might have done apropos of SEZs is in the realm of the
hypothetical. The firm and established reality is that it
is the Congress that brought these SEZ monsters to Goa.
Not 1 or 2 or 3. EIGHTEEN of them !! These Congress
vermin wanted to sell Goa wholesale to outsiders, first
under Pratapsing and then under Digu. And don't
forget the fraud of the RP2011. It is these two post-2005
Congress regimes that have affixed Goa firmly on the
Formula One fast track to doom.

Digambar Kamat sat by silently - willfully and deliberately,
in my emphatic opinion - while another SEZ was notified
on his watch. This is the standard operating procedure of
the political crook who knows that once you push the
project through it is hard to then retract it from the
morass of the legal logjam, that there are later ways and
means of 'regularizing' the violation should it run into
popular turbulence.

I was there on Nov 12, 2007, twice in a single day at Digu's
official residence. First alongside the GBA folks, then in the
afternoon with Matanhy and his GMAS troops. Digu's manner
and attitude said it all. In the first instance, he was told that
an important file pertaining to the Aldeia de Goa project had
gone missing. You would think that the CM would be livid,
at the very least, perturbed, & demand answers from his
bureaucrat (Ahmed Morad), order a probe. Nothing of the
sort happened. Digu instead promised to "study."

This didn't look like a man concerned with the widespread
despoliation of Goa. This wasn't a man keen to get to the
bottom of it all. (But that didn't stop the GBA convener - who
was present at this first meeting - from presenting Digu a
bouquet of warm praise in a newspaper column some
weeks later.)

Same thing happened in the afternoon. Digu again pleaded
he needed to "study" the matter of SEZs. While Digu was busy
"studying," another SEZ was quietly notified. He couldn't
have not known about this.

Warm regards,


r





____________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for last minute shopping deals?
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

[Rajan P. Parrikar]

To Goanet -

The news coming out today is dismal on both the
fronts.

On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs.
That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the
behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts
will be mighty relieved.

On the Regional Plan -
I hear that the new draft has run into turbulence. Digu
and his cohorts want to fashion it in such a manner
that the interests of the real estate lobby and fellow
Kangress colleagues are maximized while Goa is lead
to its ruin. But you shouldn't be shocked. You first
heard it here from me several months ago. What else
did you expect with Digu's bum pal Datta Damodar
Naik in the Task Force? Furthermore, Digu's moles
had long penetrated the GBA.

The fools who thought that Digu had the interests
of Goa and Goans at heart - please stand up. 1, 2,
3, 4, 5,....oh 99.5% of the Goanet class, I see. You
may all sit down now.

Regards,


r





____________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

[Bosco D'Mello]

<On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs. That is, the govt is
buying time, almost surely at the behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his
cohorts will be mighty relieved.>


RESPONSE: Rajan, when you say 'preparing', you are giving the rest of us
some hope that Goa is not dead yet.......:-)

Briefly.....Manohar Parrikar's perspective and vision to bring
SEZ/industries to Goa, especially the pharma/bio-focused and IT Parks was a
good one. Unfortunately they were not realised before he was prematurely
disposed as CM. They are certainly environmentally friendlier than the
polluting mines. However the implementation of the SEZ was skewed by the
current government.

As far as GMAS/Mathany is concerned.....the Goanet archives will attest to
Mathany calling SEZ a 'disaster' in July 2003....12 months later Parrikar
inducted him into the cabinet and possibly bought his silence. Now if
Mathany was genuinely against establishing a SEZ in Goa, don't you think he
should have protested at the time in 2003 or 2004 especially when he was
part of the government? If he protested, I have no knowledge of it. Is this
not the same politician who in Sep 2004 promised to quit the cabinet if the
River Princess was not towed away by January 2005? If he quit, it did not
make it to the Goanet Archives either. Oh yes, the Congress opposition at
the time termed the River Princes "an ecological time bomb waiting to
explode causing long term marine pollution besides being an eyesore." BAH!!

It was really surprising to see Parrikar support/be a part of GMAS and
oppose SEZ (in 2007) even though he promoted SEZ as a Chief Miniser (in
2003/04). There is possibly some ambiguity in his stance - he possibly does
support a SEZ policy for Goa but not in the format implemented in the 3
cases.

As far as cancelling the approved SEZs, are there not legal restrictions to
denotify them?? Some reports indicate they may require some legislative
intervention.

It is unfortunate that grassroots attempts against mining does not seem to
take a hold among the populace like the SEZ issue seems to have.

- Bosco

[Gabe Menezes]

Post by Rajan P. Parrikar
To Goanet -
The news coming out today is dismal on both the
fronts.
On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs.
That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the
behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts
will be mighty relieved.

RESPONSE: While it is true, that it ain't over until the fat lady
sings; this is what came out now.....

Govt scraps 8 Goa SEZs
BS Reporter / New Delhi February 26, 2008
First reversal after last year's protests in the state.

As many as eight Special Economic Zones (SEZs) proposals in Goa were
scrapped at one stroke by the inter-ministerial Board of Approvals,
which met here today. The Board also decided to ask 12 developers in
the state why their zones should not be cancelled.

This is the first incident of a reversal of a Central policy,
following a strong anti-SEZ movement in Goa last year that had
threatened to bring down the Digambar Kamat-led Congress government.

SEZs are underwritten by a central law passed by Parliament in 2005
that permits special taxation and other fiscal benefits to the
developers and the units inside these zones.

The Goa government, on December 31, 2007, had recommended that the
Centre scrap all the zones in the state following widespread public
protests. Anti-SEZ protesters had argued that the zones will put extra
pressure on the already fragile infrastructure in the state and lead
to a dilution of the Goan identity.

Their argument was that ?outsiders? would flood Goa in search of SEZ
jobs that the locals will not be able to fill. This cancellation is
the first time in history that ethnic issues have led to reversal of
central industrial policy.

Formally approved zones that are facing withdrawal of status include
Inox Mercantile Company?s 48-hectare Biotech zone in Verna,
Panchbhoomi Infrastructure Pvt Ltd?s 18.5-hectare infotech zone in
North Goa and a 48-hectare Infotech zone of Paradigm Logistics in
Verna.

?We are following the principle of natural justice and are sending
showcause notices to 12 formally approved zones. Proposals that were
sent by the state and were yet to be considered by the Board of
Approvals will be treated as withdrawn,? said Commerce Secretary Gopal
Krishna Pillai, who heads the board.

Three controversial SEZs in Goa ? Cipla?s Meditab Specialities,
Raheja?s IT/ITeS SEZ and Peninsula Pharma?s bio-tech SEZ ? which were
formally notified were, however, given a temporary reprieve, as the
board decided to launch formal talks with the Goa government on the
issue. The Goa government has been insistent on their denotification
and scrapping.

The commerce ministry believes scrapping zones will send a wrong
signal to foreign investors. The ministry argues that even in the case
of denotification of the three zones, the industrial units built by
the developers will continue to exist.

Sources said that Cipla had already invested more than Rs 200 crore in
building two units at the Meditab zone.

Initially, the commerce ministry was of the view that notified zones
could not be de-notified. But Commerce Minister Kamal Nath had
subsequently said that denotification was an option that could be
exercised. The matter was then referred to the law ministry.

Sources said issues relating to compensation to SEZ developers, as
they have already pumped in money to set up industrial infrastructure,
will have to be addressed.

The commerce ministry is hopeful that even if 20 SEZs in the state are
axed, the three notified SEZs would continue to function.

Former minister Mathany Saldhana, who is leading the anti-SEZ
agitation, said: ?We consider today?s development a partial victory,
but nevertheless the first major step in saving our state that could
have lost its cultural heritage against the tide of the migrants
coming in for jobs. It would also have ruined Goa?s environment.
However, we vow not to rest till the three SEZs that have been
notified are completely withdrawn by the government?.

The Board of Approval today also gave formal approval to 10 zones, and
in-principle approval to 14 other zones spread across the country.

GOA?S PARADISE REGAINED

2007 September-December: Widespread protests in Goa against SEZs. Goa
government recommends to the Centre scrapping of all SEZs in the state
and denotification of three others.

2008 January: Commerce ministry officials say the SEZ Act does not
provide for denotification. Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat meets
Commerce Minister Kamal Nath, who says denotification is possible.
Issue referred to the law ministry.

2008 February: Law ministry says denotification of SEZs involves
compensation of the developers, who have already invested in
construction inside the zones.

Board of Approval decides that proposals of eight zones, which it had
not considered, will stand withdrawn.

Also decides to send showcause notices to 12 other formally and
in-principally approved zones.

http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?autono=315024&leftnm=3&subLeft=0&chkFlg=

[Rajan P. Parrikar]

To Goanet -

Post by Bosco D'Mello
Briefly.....Manohar Parrikar's perspective and vision to bring
SEZ/industries to Goa, especially the pharma/bio-focused and IT Parks was a
good one. Unfortunately they were not realised before he was prematurely
disposed as CM. They are certainly environmentally friendlier than the
polluting mines. However the implementation of the SEZ was skewed by the
current government.
As far as GMAS/Mathany is concerned.....the Goanet archives will attest to
Mathany calling SEZ a 'disaster' in July 2003....12 months later Parrikar
inducted him into the cabinet and possibly bought his silence. Now if
Mathany was genuinely against establishing a SEZ in Goa, don't you think he
should have protested at the time in 2003 or 2004 especially when he was
part of the government? If he protested, I have no knowledge of it. Is this
not the same politician who in Sep 2004 promised to quit the cabinet if the
River Princess was not towed away by January 2005? If he quit, it did not
make it to the Goanet Archives either. Oh yes, the Congress opposition at
the time termed the River Princes "an ecological time bomb waiting to
explode causing long term marine pollution besides being an eyesore." BAH!!
It was really surprising to see Parrikar support/be a part of GMAS and
oppose SEZ (in 2007) even though he promoted SEZ as a Chief Miniser (in
2003/04). There is possibly some ambiguity in his stance - he possibly does
support a SEZ policy for Goa but not in the format implemented in the 3
cases.

I had occasion to informally ask Manohar Parrikar about the
allegations that he had supported SEZs earlier. He said that
his position on the issue has been misrepresented in the
media, that his idea was nothing like the massive land scams
perpetrated by the Congress governments, that the tax
situation etc was different during his time, as was his vision
for Goa and Goans.

My own position is that SEZs for Goa are a no-go in any form,
whether they are BJP-sponsored or Kangress-sponsored.

Concerning your remark about Matanhy's silence being
bought: I think it to be highly unlikely. I have not had a
discussion on this matter with Matanhy, so I cannot say
more on this.

The questions you raise are strong, and we have a way
of addressing them. All it takes is one good journalist to
haul his/her video camera and request a one-on-one with
both these leaders, directly capture their version on camera,
and upload the footage to YouTube.

If there are any takers, I can arrange for these sessions
although that shouldn't be necessary given the easy
accessibility of both these men. We can then match their
recorded version with any earlier position (if a credible
report of that is available) and locate discrepancies, if any.

But let us come back to the heart of the matter: what
Manohar Parrikar could have, would have, should have,
might have done apropos of SEZs is in the realm of the
hypothetical. The firm and established reality is that it
is the Congress that brought these SEZ monsters to Goa.
Not 1 or 2 or 3. EIGHTEEN of them !! These Congress
vermin wanted to sell Goa wholesale to outsiders, first
under Pratapsing and then under Digu. And don't
forget the fraud of the RP2011. It is these two post-2005
Congress regimes that have affixed Goa firmly on the
Formula One fast track to doom.

Digambar Kamat sat by silently - willfully and deliberately,
in my emphatic opinion - while another SEZ was notified
on his watch. This is the standard operating procedure of
the political crook who knows that once you push the
project through it is hard to then retract it from the
morass of the legal logjam, that there are later ways and
means of 'regularizing' the violation should it run into
popular turbulence.

I was there on Nov 12, 2007, twice in a single day at Digu's
official residence. First alongside the GBA folks, then in the
afternoon with Matanhy and his GMAS troops. Digu's manner
and attitude said it all. In the first instance, he was told that
an important file pertaining to the Aldeia de Goa project had
gone missing. You would think that the CM would be livid,
at the very least, perturbed, & demand answers from his
bureaucrat (Ahmed Morad), order a probe. Nothing of the
sort happened. Digu instead promised to "study."

This didn't look like a man concerned with the widespread
despoliation of Goa. This wasn't a man keen to get to the
bottom of it all. (But that didn't stop the GBA convener - who
was present at this first meeting - from presenting Digu a
bouquet of warm praise in a newspaper column some
weeks later.)

Same thing happened in the afternoon. Digu again pleaded
he needed to "study" the matter of SEZs. While Digu was busy
"studying," another SEZ was quietly notified. He couldn't
have not known about this.

Warm regards,


r





____________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for last minute shopping deals?
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

[Rajan P. Parrikar]

To Goanet -

The news coming out today is dismal on both the
fronts.

On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs.
That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the
behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts
will be mighty relieved.

On the Regional Plan -
I hear that the new draft has run into turbulence. Digu
and his cohorts want to fashion it in such a manner
that the interests of the real estate lobby and fellow
Kangress colleagues are maximized while Goa is lead
to its ruin. But you shouldn't be shocked. You first
heard it here from me several months ago. What else
did you expect with Digu's bum pal Datta Damodar
Naik in the Task Force? Furthermore, Digu's moles
had long penetrated the GBA.

The fools who thought that Digu had the interests
of Goa and Goans at heart - please stand up. 1, 2,
3, 4, 5,....oh 99.5% of the Goanet class, I see. You
may all sit down now.

Regards,


r





____________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

[Bosco D'Mello]

<On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs. That is, the govt is
buying time, almost surely at the behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his
cohorts will be mighty relieved.>


RESPONSE: Rajan, when you say 'preparing', you are giving the rest of us
some hope that Goa is not dead yet.......:-)

Briefly.....Manohar Parrikar's perspective and vision to bring
SEZ/industries to Goa, especially the pharma/bio-focused and IT Parks was a
good one. Unfortunately they were not realised before he was prematurely
disposed as CM. They are certainly environmentally friendlier than the
polluting mines. However the implementation of the SEZ was skewed by the
current government.

As far as GMAS/Mathany is concerned.....the Goanet archives will attest to
Mathany calling SEZ a 'disaster' in July 2003....12 months later Parrikar
inducted him into the cabinet and possibly bought his silence. Now if
Mathany was genuinely against establishing a SEZ in Goa, don't you think he
should have protested at the time in 2003 or 2004 especially when he was
part of the government? If he protested, I have no knowledge of it. Is this
not the same politician who in Sep 2004 promised to quit the cabinet if the
River Princess was not towed away by January 2005? If he quit, it did not
make it to the Goanet Archives either. Oh yes, the Congress opposition at
the time termed the River Princes "an ecological time bomb waiting to
explode causing long term marine pollution besides being an eyesore." BAH!!

It was really surprising to see Parrikar support/be a part of GMAS and
oppose SEZ (in 2007) even though he promoted SEZ as a Chief Miniser (in
2003/04). There is possibly some ambiguity in his stance - he possibly does
support a SEZ policy for Goa but not in the format implemented in the 3
cases.

As far as cancelling the approved SEZs, are there not legal restrictions to
denotify them?? Some reports indicate they may require some legislative
intervention.

It is unfortunate that grassroots attempts against mining does not seem to
take a hold among the populace like the SEZ issue seems to have.

- Bosco

[Gabe Menezes]

Post by Rajan P. Parrikar
To Goanet -
The news coming out today is dismal on both the
fronts.
On SEZs -
The Central govt is dithering on canceling the SEZs.
That is, the govt is buying time, almost surely at the
behest of the SEZ promoters. Digu and his cohorts
will be mighty relieved.

RESPONSE: While it is true, that it ain't over until the fat lady
sings; this is what came out now.....

Govt scraps 8 Goa SEZs
BS Reporter / New Delhi February 26, 2008
First reversal after last year's protests in the state.

As many as eight Special Economic Zones (SEZs) proposals in Goa were
scrapped at one stroke by the inter-ministerial Board of Approvals,
which met here today. The Board also decided to ask 12 developers in
the state why their zones should not be cancelled.

This is the first incident of a reversal of a Central policy,
following a strong anti-SEZ movement in Goa last year that had
threatened to bring down the Digambar Kamat-led Congress government.

SEZs are underwritten by a central law passed by Parliament in 2005
that permits special taxation and other fiscal benefits to the
developers and the units inside these zones.

The Goa government, on December 31, 2007, had recommended that the
Centre scrap all the zones in the state following widespread public
protests. Anti-SEZ protesters had argued that the zones will put extra
pressure on the already fragile infrastructure in the state and lead
to a dilution of the Goan identity.

Their argument was that ?outsiders? would flood Goa in search of SEZ
jobs that the locals will not be able to fill. This cancellation is
the first time in history that ethnic issues have led to reversal of
central industrial policy.

Formally approved zones that are facing withdrawal of status include
Inox Mercantile Company?s 48-hectare Biotech zone in Verna,
Panchbhoomi Infrastructure Pvt Ltd?s 18.5-hectare infotech zone in
North Goa and a 48-hectare Infotech zone of Paradigm Logistics in
Verna.

?We are following the principle of natural justice and are sending
showcause notices to 12 formally approved zones. Proposals that were
sent by the state and were yet to be considered by the Board of
Approvals will be treated as withdrawn,? said Commerce Secretary Gopal
Krishna Pillai, who heads the board.

Three controversial SEZs in Goa ? Cipla?s Meditab Specialities,
Raheja?s IT/ITeS SEZ and Peninsula Pharma?s bio-tech SEZ ? which were
formally notified were, however, given a temporary reprieve, as the
board decided to launch formal talks with the Goa government on the
issue. The Goa government has been insistent on their denotification
and scrapping.

The commerce ministry believes scrapping zones will send a wrong
signal to foreign investors. The ministry argues that even in the case
of denotification of the three zones, the industrial units built by
the developers will continue to exist.

Sources said that Cipla had already invested more than Rs 200 crore in
building two units at the Meditab zone.

Initially, the commerce ministry was of the view that notified zones
could not be de-notified. But Commerce Minister Kamal Nath had
subsequently said that denotification was an option that could be
exercised. The matter was then referred to the law ministry.

Sources said issues relating to compensation to SEZ developers, as
they have already pumped in money to set up industrial infrastructure,
will have to be addressed.

The commerce ministry is hopeful that even if 20 SEZs in the state are
axed, the three notified SEZs would continue to function.

Former minister Mathany Saldhana, who is leading the anti-SEZ
agitation, said: ?We consider today?s development a partial victory,
but nevertheless the first major step in saving our state that could
have lost its cultural heritage against the tide of the migrants
coming in for jobs. It would also have ruined Goa?s environment.
However, we vow not to rest till the three SEZs that have been
notified are completely withdrawn by the government?.

The Board of Approval today also gave formal approval to 10 zones, and
in-principle approval to 14 other zones spread across the country.

GOA?S PARADISE REGAINED

2007 September-December: Widespread protests in Goa against SEZs. Goa
government recommends to the Centre scrapping of all SEZs in the state
and denotification of three others.

2008 January: Commerce ministry officials say the SEZ Act does not
provide for denotification. Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat meets
Commerce Minister Kamal Nath, who says denotification is possible.
Issue referred to the law ministry.

2008 February: Law ministry says denotification of SEZs involves
compensation of the developers, who have already invested in
construction inside the zones.

Board of Approval decides that proposals of eight zones, which it had
not considered, will stand withdrawn.

Also decides to send showcause notices to 12 other formally and
in-principally approved zones.

http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?autono=315024&leftnm=3&subLeft=0&chkFlg=

[Rajan P. Parrikar]

To Goanet -

Post by Bosco D'Mello
Briefly.....Manohar Parrikar's perspective and vision to bring
SEZ/industries to Goa, especially the pharma/bio-focused and IT Parks was a
good one. Unfortunately they were not realised before he was prematurely
disposed as CM. They are certainly environmentally friendlier than the
polluting mines. However the implementation of the SEZ was skewed by the
current government.
As far as GMAS/Mathany is concerned.....the Goanet archives will attest to
Mathany calling SEZ a 'disaster' in July 2003....12 months later Parrikar
inducted him into the cabinet and possibly bought his silence. Now if
Mathany was genuinely against establishing a SEZ in Goa, don't you think he
should have protested at the time in 2003 or 2004 especially when he was
part of the government? If he protested, I have no knowledge of it. Is this
not the same politician who in Sep 2004 promised to quit the cabinet if the
River Princess was not towed away by January 2005? If he quit, it did not
make it to the Goanet Archives either. Oh yes, the Congress opposition at
the time termed the River Princes "an ecological time bomb waiting to
explode causing long term marine pollution besides being an eyesore." BAH!!
It was really surprising to see Parrikar support/be a part of GMAS and
oppose SEZ (in 2007) even though he promoted SEZ as a Chief Miniser (in
2003/04). There is possibly some ambiguity in his stance - he possibly does
support a SEZ policy for Goa but not in the format implemented in the 3
cases.

I had occasion to informally ask Manohar Parrikar about the
allegations that he had supported SEZs earlier. He said that
his position on the issue has been misrepresented in the
media, that his idea was nothing like the massive land scams
perpetrated by the Congress governments, that the tax
situation etc was different during his time, as was his vision
for Goa and Goans.

My own position is that SEZs for Goa are a no-go in any form,
whether they are BJP-sponsored or Kangress-sponsored.

Concerning your remark about Matanhy's silence being
bought: I think it to be highly unlikely. I have not had a
discussion on this matter with Matanhy, so I cannot say
more on this.

The questions you raise are strong, and we have a way
of addressing them. All it takes is one good journalist to
haul his/her video camera and request a one-on-one with
both these leaders, directly capture their version on camera,
and upload the footage to YouTube.

If there are any takers, I can arrange for these sessions
although that shouldn't be necessary given the easy
accessibility of both these men. We can then match their
recorded version with any earlier position (if a credible
report of that is available) and locate discrepancies, if any.

But let us come back to the heart of the matter: what
Manohar Parrikar could have, would have, should have,
might have done apropos of SEZs is in the realm of the
hypothetical. The firm and established reality is that it
is the Congress that brought these SEZ monsters to Goa.
Not 1 or 2 or 3. EIGHTEEN of them !! These Congress
vermin wanted to sell Goa wholesale to outsiders, first
under Pratapsing and then under Digu. And don't
forget the fraud of the RP2011. It is these two post-2005
Congress regimes that have affixed Goa firmly on the
Formula One fast track to doom.

Digambar Kamat sat by silently - willfully and deliberately,
in my emphatic opinion - while another SEZ was notified
on his watch. This is the standard operating procedure of
the political crook who knows that once you push the
project through it is hard to then retract it from the
morass of the legal logjam, that there are later ways and
means of 'regularizing' the violation should it run into
popular turbulence.

I was there on Nov 12, 2007, twice in a single day at Digu's
official residence. First alongside the GBA folks, then in the
afternoon with Matanhy and his GMAS troops. Digu's manner
and attitude said it all. In the first instance, he was told that
an important file pertaining to the Aldeia de Goa project had
gone missing. You would think that the CM would be livid,
at the very least, perturbed, & demand answers from his
bureaucrat (Ahmed Morad), order a probe. Nothing of the
sort happened. Digu instead promised to "study."

This didn't look like a man concerned with the widespread
despoliation of Goa. This wasn't a man keen to get to the
bottom of it all. (But that didn't stop the GBA convener - who
was present at this first meeting - from presenting Digu a
bouquet of warm praise in a newspaper column some
weeks later.)

Same thing happened in the afternoon. Digu again pleaded
he needed to "study" the matter of SEZs. While Digu was busy
"studying," another SEZ was quietly notified. He couldn't
have not known about this.

Warm regards,


r





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