NO to SEZ .... YES to PEZ

reports in Pudhari (Marathi) & Sunaparant (Konkani)

2010-12-24T07:48:00.005+05:30

Jail SEZ ‘patrons,’ demand activists

2010-12-23T08:18:00.000+05:30

HERALD REPORTERPANJIM, DEC 22Goa Government is at the receiving end in the land allotment scam for allotting land to SEZ promoters with legal experts demanding ‘jail’ to those responsible for encouraging criminal activity.“Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) officials and all those involved in granting land to SEZ promoters should be jailed. Such criminal activity should not be

SEZ was a bad idea: Gonsalves

2010-12-23T08:16:00.001+05:30

http://www.navhindtimes.in/Published on: December 23, 2010 - 01:09 More in: Goa NewsPANAJI: Maintaining that the special economic zones (SEZs) proposed in Goa had become synonymous with looting, the executive director of Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) and a senior counsel of the Supreme Court, Mr Colin Gonsalves, on Wednesday, said that employment can happen in the state without SEZs, by setting

SVM felicitates Colin Gonsalves of HRLN

2010-12-23T07:53:00.003+05:30

On behalf of SVM (SEZ Virodhi Manch), Arvind Bhatikar felicitated Senior Counsel of the Supreme Court, Colin Gonsalves for his important role in successful petition against the SEZ scam in the High Court. Mr Gonsalves was presented with a traditional coconut, shawl and five handicraft flowers representing the five core villages which fought the SEZ scam with the support of all Goans in general,

SVM demands to GIDC with ultimatum

2010-12-22T06:58:00.000+05:30

The Sez Virodhi Manch members gheraoed the GIDC Chairman, Mr. Babu Kavlekar at 5.30 p.m today and submitted a memorandum with six demands. Primary demand being resignation of all members instrumental in he allotment of lands for SEZ’s and accountability. The GIDC Chairman was left dumbfounded and repeatedly stated that the matter is under study and that a legal opinion has been sought. The SVM

SVM gheraos GIDC chairman, demands resignation

2010-12-22T06:48:00.002+05:30

SEZ Virodhi Manch confronts GIDC chief, asks him to quit HERALD REPORTERMARGAO, DEC 21Members of the SEZ Virodhi Manch gheraoed the GIDC Chairman, Babu Kavlekar on Tuesday and submitted a memorandum with six demand, including the demand for the resignation of all members instrumental in the allotment of lands for SEZ’s and accountability.Convenor of the Manch, Charles Fernandes said the GIDC

SVM slams Babu Kavlekar's statement on land allotment for SEZs Read more: SVM slams Babu Kavlekar's statement on land allotment for SEZs

2010-12-15T08:15:00.001+05:30

Times of India15 December 2010MARGAO: The SEZ Virodhi Manch (SVM) has condemned the statement of the Goa Industrial Development Corporation chairman, Chandrakant 'Babu' Kavlekar, that land was allotted to SEZ promoters based on the central government's policy to encourage SEZs in the state.The SVM pointed out that the high court of Bombay at Goa has rejected all the above frivolous submissions in

SVM wants industrial estates brought under panchayats

2010-12-15T08:12:00.000+05:30

Navhind Times: December 15, 2010MARGAO: The SEZ Virodhi Manch (SVM), on Tuesday, condemned the statement of the Goa Industrial Development Corporation chairman, Mr Chandrakant Kavlekar that it was the central government’s policy to encourage SEZs that was supported by the state government so the lands were allotted for SEZs.The SVM also demanded that the government hand over the jurisdiction of

Sack Aleixo, Kavlekar: SEZ Virodhi Manch to CM

2010-12-15T08:10:00.000+05:30

Sack Aleixo, Kavlekar: SEZ Virodhi Manch to CM HERALD REPORTERMARGAO, DEC 14 The SEZ Virodhi Manch has demanded that Chief Minister Digambar Kamat sack IDC Chairman Babu Kavlekar and Power Minister Aleixo Sequeira, besides officials and initiate judicial or CBI inquiry into the alleged illegal allotments for SEZ causing losses to the public exchequer to the tune of over Rs 100 crore as per the

Punish those in SEZ land allotment: Sancoale meet

2010-12-13T07:39:00.000+05:30

HERALD CORRESPONDENTCORTALIM, DEC 12The meeting called by the Sancoale villagers on Sunday to decide on the SEZ land allotment fiasco crticised the government handling on the SEZ issue and called for punishment of the guilty.Speakers demanded that since the land allotment to SEZ promoters have been set aside by the High Court, the government should revert back the land to the original

Central level probe demanded into SEZ land allotment

2010-12-10T08:12:00.000+05:30

HERALD REPORTERPANJIM, DEC 9After a fortnight the Goa Bench of Bombay High Court pointed out large scale irregularities in the allotment of 32 sq kms of land to seven SEZ promoters in Goa, one of the petitioners has demanded a Central level probe into the scam.Addressing a press conference, Advocate F E Noronha who represented petitioner John Philip Pereira in the Public Interest Litigation in

SEZ scam: SVM to ensure politicos do not go scot-free

2010-12-04T06:19:00.002+05:30

HERALD REPORTERMARGAO, DEC 3Reiterating its demand for accountability from the GIDC Directors instrumental in the fraudulent allotment of land for SEZs, the SEZ Virodhi Manch has called a meeting at Keri on December 4 to finalise an action plan to ensure that appropriate penal action is initiated against the politicians involved in the huge scam of SEZs in Goa.SVM working president Charles

Anand Sharma pretends to wake up?

2010-12-03T08:34:00.002+05:30

Commerce minister moves to denotify SEZs in GoaTNN, Dec 3, 2010, 04.10am ISTPANAJI: Union commerce minister Anand Sharma on Thursday asked officials in his ministry to initiate the process to denotify the three Special Economic Zones (SEZ) that were notified in Goa, thus putting a stop to the mega proposals.The order comes in the backdrop of the high court of Bombay at Goa ruling last week that

SEZ land scam gets murkier

2010-12-01T06:08:00.000+05:30

SURAJ NANDREKAR - HeraldPratapsing Rane’s role comes to lightPANJIM, NOV 30The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) land scam continued to get murkier with the information revealing that the then chief minister Pratapsing Rane too had recommended helping the SEZ promoters to get land in the State.Herald on Tuesday had exposed a note by the then industries minister Luizinho Faleiro directing the Goa

SVM wants judicial inquiry into SEZ land allotment

2010-11-30T07:06:00.001+05:30

Published on: November 30, 2010 Navhind TimesMARGAO: Stating that the people’s struggle for land had been vindicated, the SEZ Virodhi Manch (SVM), on Monday, wanted a judicial inquiry to “unearth the whole land allotment scam” and appropriate action taken against all the police officers who failed to register a FIR against the GIDC board members.A complaint was lodged in October 2007 by

SVM for ouster of GIDC officials, bureaucrats

2010-11-30T07:02:00.001+05:30

TNN, Nov 30, 2010, 01.07am ISTPANAJI: Jubilant at the high court order setting aside land allotments to SEZs in Goa, the SEZ Virodhi Manch (SVM) on Monday demanded the immediate resignation of the GIDC board of directors and conniving bureaucrats "instrumental in the fraudulent land allotments," or their sacking by the chief minister.The SVM has also demanded that the chief minister launch a

Luizinho in SEZ tangle

2010-11-30T07:01:00.000+05:30

Letter favoured 250 acres to MeditabHERALD REPORTERPANJIM, NOV 29 In what could be a major embarrassment to the Congress party at the State and national level, information has revealed that former Industries Minister Luizinho Faleiro, who is the party’s national observer, had favoured granting of 250 acres of land to a Special Economic Zone promoter in the State.Faleiro, who was also the former

SEZ case exposes arbitrary functioning of GIDC

2010-11-28T08:01:00.001+05:30

SEZ case exposes arbitrary functioning of Goa IDCShripad S Merchant, TNN, Nov 28, 2010, 06.16am ISTPANAJI: The legal battle by SEZ developers to hold ground in the state has exposed the functioning of the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) as land was allotted by it sans submission of project reports by the companies involved. In two cases, property was transferred even before the

HC scraps land for SEZs in Goa

2010-11-27T07:50:00.000+05:30

HC SETBACK FOR SEZsHERALD REPORTERPANJIM, NOV 26The Bombay High Court at Goa on Friday quashed and set aside the land allotments to the seven Special Economic Zone (SEZ) developers in the State.Justice F M Reis, who passed the judgement as the other Justice A S Oka is not sitting at Panjim, also asked the developers to apply afresh for the land.The court observed that the allotment of lands to

Alexio’s awakening on Verna estate very late, says Manch

2010-10-28T19:51:00.000+05:30

Alexio’s awakening on Verna estate very late, says ManchHERALD REPORTERMARGAO, OCT 27The SEZ Virodhi Manch has denounced the statements appearing in the media in respect of the Verna Industrial Estate by local MLA Alexio Sequeira and GIDC Chairman Babu Kavlekar.Manch Convenor Charles Fernandes said the local MLA Alexio Sequeira has finally realized that the Verna Industrial Estate has turned into

Goans will not allow SEZs in Goa: Virodhi Manch

2010-03-29T12:31:00.000+05:30

Goans will not allow SEZs in Goa: Virodhi ManchHERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 12 The SEZ Virodhi Manch has warned that Goans would not allow any SEZs in any form anywhere in the state of Goa and strongly demanded that the state government vigorously pursue the matter of de-notification of the three notified SEZs at the highest level at the centre. Strongly condemning the reported statements of

Peoples' Audit of SEZs held on Sunday

2009-12-21T06:35:00.002+05:30

Panel visits Verna & Keri SEZ sites

2009-12-19T23:04:00.008+05:30

On 19 December 2009, the panel of experts who have come down to Goa for the PEOPLES' AUDIT OF SEZs (on Sunday, 20 Dec 2009, Caritas Hall, Panaji, Goa) visited the SEZ sites of Raheja at Verna and later Meditabs at Keri. They included Shekhar Singh, Adv Prashant Bhushan, Adm Ramdas, Kalpana Sharma and K B Saxena. Also present were Preeti Sampat, Sumanya Velamur, Nikhil Dey, Prasad Bhagwe, Mike and

Peoples' Audit of SEZs

2009-12-18T17:15:00.000+05:30

PEOPLES' AUDIT OF SEZsSunday, 20 Dec 2009, Caritas Hall, Panaji, Goa. Panelists: Shekhar Singh, Adv. Prashant Bhushan, Admiral (retd) Ramdas, Devinder Sharma, Kalpana Sharma, KB Saxena Observers: Medha Patkar and othersAGENDA:9.30 am: Overview of the struggle against SEZs in Goa – Charles Fernandes10am-12noon: Presentations by villagers from Keri, Verna Loutolim, Sancoale, Betul12noon: The social

Criminal burning of Industrial Waste at Verna

2009-12-11T10:09:00.010+05:30

On 10 December, SVM activists led the media to a private site on Verna plateauwhere Industrial Waste is being burnt in a private propertysans any procedures for the last 8 months. Children as young as 15 years are doing the toxic job. Seeing the media coming, they began to douse the fire with water.This environmental crime is happening in the backyard of Goa's Environment Minister.check out the

SEZ case hearing adjourned to Feb 9

2009-12-02T20:42:00.000+05:30

TNN 2 December 2009, 05:25am ISTPANAJI: The high court of Bombay at Goa on Monday adjourned the hearing of petitions pertaining to the special economic zones (SEZ) to February 9, 2010.A division bench comprising Justice V K Tahilramani and Justice N A Britto deferred the hearing of the petitions filed by six SEZ promotersâ€”Meditab Specialities Pvt Ltd, Peninsular Pharma Research Centre Pvt Ltd,

only talk, no walk... by Goa CM

2009-11-20T09:36:00.001+05:30

Centre will not enforce SEZs: CMHERALD REPORTERPANJIM, NOV 19Chief Minister Digamabar Kamat today said that the Centre will not force the Special Economic Zones on Goa against the wishes of the citizens of the state.“During my visit to Delhi I met the Industries Minister Anand Sharma and the Industries Secretary and reminded them about the de-notification of three SEZs, which were earlier

SVM condemns Aleixo Sequeira for SEZ statement

2009-11-11T10:29:00.002+05:30

Manch condemns Aleixo Sequeira for SEZ statementTNN 11 November 2009, 05:11am ISTPANAJI: The SEZ Virodhi Manch has condemned the statements made by power minister, Aleixo Sequeira, that he is in favour of setting up a special economic zone in Goa."At a time when ruling and opposition MLAs, cutting across party lines, have denounced SEZs in the state, and moreover, when even the government,

HC adjourns SEZ plea to Aug 31

2009-07-28T17:53:00.000+05:30

HERALD REPORTERPANJIM, JULY 27The Division Bench of Bombay High Court on Monday adjourned the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) petitions for final hearing till August 31 thus asking the petitioners to amend the petitions in view of withdrawal of SEZ policy by the State Government within four weeks.The Bench comprising of Justice S B Deshmukh and Justice U D Salvi ordered the State Advocate General

Goa criticised for pushing SEZs in guise of ‘health estates’

2009-07-20T07:21:00.001+05:30

Panaji, July 18 (IANS)Health estates, a new real estate project being aggressively promoted by the Goa government, has raised the hackles of Goa’s numerous civil society groups who allege that the government is trying to slip in SEZs through the back door by disguising them.The health estates, which were notified through a government gazette, are meant to promote health services and facilitate

The great Goan Land Scam - Himanshu Upadhyaya

2009-07-02T10:38:00.005+05:30

The great Goan land scamGoa's land allocation policy to SEZs has been indicted for massive irregularities by the Comptroller and Auditor General. The list of violations is more or less a case the fence eating the crop, finds out Himanshu Upadhyaya.courtesy http://indiatogether.com/2009/jun/gov-goascam.htm 30 June 2009 - In an audit report tabled in Goa assembly during the last week of March 2009,

Compensate For Rampant Hill Cutting & De-Forestation: SVM

2009-06-18T08:00:00.000+05:30

Get notified SEZs de-notified, SVM tells govtHERALD REPORTERMARGAO, JUNE 16Welcoming the decision of the Goa government to scrap the SEZ policy for Goa, the SEZ Virodhi Manch has warned that it will not rest till the approvals granted by the Central government are withdrawn and the notified SEZs denotified.Demanding that the government should not enter into any deal with any of the developers in

Hearings of SEZ pleas adjourned

2009-06-17T07:28:00.002+05:30

17 Jun 2009, 0343 hrs IST, TNNPANAJI: The high court of Bombay at Goa on Tuesday adjourned the hearings of SEZ-related petitions to July 27.The court also allowed advocates appearing in the cases to amend the petitions in view of the state government's decision to withdraw its SEZ policy.During the hearing, advocate Surendra Dessai, appearing for some of the SEZ developers, prayed that he may be

Adv Sonak, GIDC MD sued for professional misconduct

2009-06-17T07:21:00.000+05:30

HERALD CORRESPONDENT, CORTALIM, JUNE 15An application seeking action against High Court Advocate Mahesh S Sonak and the Managing Director of Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) A V Palekar for professional misconduct has been filed in the Bombay High Court.The applicant has sought action against the lawyer under Bombay High Court Rules and Advocates Act and the Bar Council of India

Goa scraps SEZ policy, at last

2009-06-17T07:18:00.000+05:30

HERALD REPORTER, PANJIM, JUNE 15Finally, the controversial Special Economic Zone (SEZ) policy 2006 is scrapped. Interestingly, the Cabinet decision on this comes one-and-a-half year after the Goa Government officially said ‘No’ to SEZs in Goa.“The Cabinet today has decided to withdraw SEZ policy 2006”, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat announced at a post-Cabinet press conference here.Kamat, who was

Food Park?

2009-05-26T07:04:00.002+05:30

MLA draws flak at Quepem:Villagers of Betul-Naquerim and Quittol vowed to vehemently oppose the proposed Industrial Estate at Quittol, Quepem, at a meeting organised by the Betul-Naquerim Citizens Action Committee at Quepem on May 24. Among the speakers, Fr Maverick Fernandes, executive secretary of the Council for Social Justice and Peace, stressed that the existing Industrial Estates in the

Govt. panel comes down heavily on SEZs

2009-05-12T06:57:00.001+05:30

http://www.thehindu .com/holnus/ 002200905101212. htmNew Delhi (PTI):Special Economic Zones have come in for sharp criticism from a high-level government panel which said that creation of SEZs not only meant "betting on the strong" but also providing a "special level playing field" for the mightycorporates."...The creation of SEZs that

File SEZ pleas by May 7, HC directs petitioners

2009-04-28T20:24:00.004+05:30

28 Apr 2009, 0242 hrs IST, TNNPANAJI: The high court of Bombay at Goa on Monday directed all advocates appearing in petitions relating to special economic zones (SEZs) in the state to finish filing and finalise exchanging their pleadings by May 7, 2009.A division bench of Justice B P Dharmadhikari and Justice U D Salvi made it clear that "no further adjournments would be granted". They further

SVM demands registering FIR against IDC directors

2009-04-14T15:35:00.001+05:30

SVM demands registering FIR against IDC directorsChallenges GCCI president on employment of GoansHERALD REPORTERPANJIM, APRIL 13Citing the report of Comptroller and Auditor General, SEZ Virodhi Manch on Monday pressed for the much-awaited registering of the FIR against those in the Goa Industrial Development Corporation who are responsible for the alleged and fraudulent process of land allotment

SVM Press Note:

2009-04-14T15:30:00.002+05:30

(press conference held on 13 April 2009) The SEZ Virodhi Manch (SVM) strongly condemns the reported statements of the GCCI President Nitin Kuncolienkar who has supported SEZs in Goa and has made malicious accusations against Goans who are opposing the fraud of SEZs.Mr Kuncolienkar's stance is not surprising since he has been an integral part of the process and system that manipulated and

Alexyz's take on Congress Candidate's double speak on SEZs in Goa

2009-04-08T15:58:00.001+05:30

SEZ SINS EXPOSED

2009-03-26T11:23:00.002+05:30

http://www.oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=19217&cid=10CAG says irregularities began before framing policyPANJIM, MARCH 25Blatant irregularities of the State government in the allotment of land to seven special economic zones (SEZs) in three industrial estates have been thoroughly exposed by the findings of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). The CAG report tabled in the Goa

Auditor slams Goa government over SEZs

2009-03-25T18:26:00.001+05:30

Panaji, March 25 (IANS)Virtually confirming suspicions raised by opponents of special economic zones (SEZ) here, India’s official auditor has hinted at a possible scam in the process of releasing vast tracts of land to four of the seven SEZ operators in Goa.“The Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) executed lease deeds with four SEZ allottees for more area than approved by the Board (SEZ

photos of SVM pledge before Bhootkhamb& martyr Nilesh Naik

2008-11-16T22:22:00.002+05:30

SVM renews the fight against the fraud of SEZs

2008-11-16T22:15:00.002+05:30

Keri villagers resolve to oppose SEZ16 Nov 2008, 0512 hrs IST, TNNPONDA: In an attempt to resist the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Bhutkhamb-Keri in Ponda, the villagers of Keri resolved on Saturday to oppose the SEZ if government tried to impose it within the land acquired by the Goa Industrial Development Corporation(GIDC) at Bhutkhamb plateau.The villagers on Saturday convened a meeting near

SEZ Virodhi Manch threatens stir, to hold rally on Nov 21

2008-10-25T23:11:00.000+05:30

HERALD REPORTERPANJIM, OCT 24Agitated by the government’s indifferent attitude towards SEZ (special economic zones) issue, the SEZ Virodhi Manch is in the process of reviving its agitation and will hold a mass rally at Lohia Maidan on November 21 to expose the government on its alleged “double talk” and demand cancellation of the SEZ policy, and also compel the government to hold CBI inquiry

PRESS NOTE issued on Sunday 5 October 2008

2008-10-07T09:11:00.001+05:30

The SEZ Virodhi Manch (SVM) strongly condemns the statements of the Union Commerce Minister, Mr. Kamal Nath who wants Goa government to allow developers of three notified SEZs to set up some other industry on the land allotted to them. The SVM warns the CM Digambar Kamat, MP Shantaram Naik and others of facilitating the entry of the SEZs through the back door.Since 22 October 2007, complaints

Govt playing dirty on SEZs

2008-10-05T17:01:00.002+05:30

Kamal Nath fields for SEZ developersHERALD REPORTERPANJIM, OCT 4 – If you thought doors have been shut on SEZ (special economic zones) developers in Goa, you are mistaken. Union Commerce Minister Kamal Nath reportedly wants Goa government to allow developers of three notified SEZs to set up some other industry on the land allotted to them. In a new development on the SEZ front, Rajya Sabha MP

report in Economic Times

2008-09-08T06:28:00.002+05:30

Court to hear developers' plea in Goa SEZ muddle7 Sep, 2008, 1857 hrs IST, IANSPANAJI: The controversy over special economic zones in Goa is headed for a showdown with the Panaji bench of the Bombay High Court scheduled to hear Monday a bunch of petitions filed by SEZ developers against cancellation of land allotted to them. The Goa government, under public pressure, was forced to take a policy

GIDC BIGGEST LAND GRABBER IN GOA

2008-09-06T07:58:00.002+05:30

by JONQUIL SUDHIR (Goan Observer)The Goa Industrial Development Corporation will control 1,76,94,434 square metres of land in the state if it acquires all the land it proposes to.THE APPREHENSION that the government is seizing land under a new garb, after the diabolical regional plan 2011 was scrapped, could well be true considering the fact that the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC)

ALL´S NOT WELL

2008-09-02T16:27:00.001+05:30

Raheja borewells at Verna under scannerPreetu Nair TNNPanaji: Four borewells dug by SEZ developer K Raheja Corp at the Verna industrial estate to meet their construction water needs got them a show cause notice from the water resources department, asking why action shouldn´t be initiated against them for violating the Goa Ground Water Regulation Act.In response, Raheja has admitted to digging

no walk... only misleading talk by Goa CM

2008-09-02T16:25:00.003+05:30

The CM is only talking...WHY can't Mr KAMAT walk the talk?

Silence protest to get MLAs to speak

2008-08-26T16:23:00.003+05:30

Over 80 activists of the SEZ Virodhi Manch (SVM) stood in silent protest at the approach road of the Mandovi Bridge. The silent protest sought to draw the attention of the MLAs to walk the talk during the Assembly sessions. Placards, posters and banners were held by the protestors.

SEZ: Unending saga

2008-08-21T09:07:00.002+05:30

Editorial in today's oHeraldoSEZ: Unending sagaIt is the government’s continued inaction on the issue of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that is responsible for incidents like the one on Tuesday, when activists of the SEZ Virodhi Manch (SVM) and the Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) barged into the site of the Raheja SEZ at Verna on learning that work had recommenced, forcibly stopped it, and caused the

SVM accuses Rahejas of indulging in false accusations

2008-08-21T09:02:00.000+05:30

NT NETWORK Posted on 2008-08-21PANAJI - The SEZ Virodhi Manch has condemned the allegations made against peaceful protesters by the local officials of K Raheja Corporation Pvt Ltd and charged that it was a malicious attempt to tarnish the image of the SEZ Virodhi Manch, which has been agitating peacefully against the fraud of the SEZs in Goa. In a press note issued on Wednesday, the SVM warned

Activists storm Verna SEZ site, stop work

2008-08-21T07:06:00.000+05:30

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, AUG 19 – Activists of the SEZ Virodhi Manch (SVM) from Verna and Loutolim stormed into a SEZ construction site at Verna on Tuesday and stopped work there.Goa Bachao Abhiyan Activist Pravin Sabnis, SEZ Virodhi Manch convenor Charles Fernandes, Peter Gama and Fr Eremito Rebello barged into the SEZ site, after they were informed about the ongoing work at the site. The project

destruction by Raheja continues

2008-08-19T17:39:00.002+05:30

Dated: 19/08//200/8Press ReleaseThe SEZ Virodhi Manch expresses disgust at the double standards of the government of making empty statements/promises with regard to the scrapping of SEZs from Goa. At the ground level work and full scale destruction activity is taking place by the Raheja SEZ at Verna. When the Government withdrew its Stop Work Notices issued to SEZ Promoters from the High Court on

SEZs must Quit Goa

2008-08-08T13:21:00.000+05:30

The SEZ Virodhi Manchinvites you to join the solidarity at Azad Maidan, Panajion 9 August 2008 (Quit India Day)from 10am-11.30 amKindly assemble before 9.30 amwith your banners & placards Let's say in one voiceQUIT GOAto the fraud of SEZsQUIT GOAto Irresponsible anti-people "Development"QUIT GOAto attacks on our land, lives and livelihoods

GIDC needs time to reply

2008-07-20T07:31:00.001+05:30

Hearing adjourned as GIDC seeks time to file replyHERALD REPORTERPANJIM, JULY 18 –Hearing on the writ pleas filed by the villagers of Sancoale, Verna and Keri-Ponda was today adjourned till September 8 as the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) sought time to file its reply.The villagers through three different writ petitions, filed before the Bombay High Court at Goa last week, have

Knowledge SEZs ?

2008-07-19T05:34:00.001+05:30

EPZ, STZ, IT Park, Biotech Park, Food Park and now KNOWLEDGE SEZs???SEZs by any name are a mega land grab for real estate with the Government clearing the title of the land.SEZs are “a country within a country” (Govt definition) and outside the purview of the laws of the land.Even the argument of economic growth is a colossal con as the SEZs need to show only net profit.After all what has

NDTV exposes Goa SEZ fraud

2008-07-13T22:15:00.002+05:30

Goa SEZ papers indicate rule violationsKetki AngreSunday, July 13, 2008 (Goa)The Goa government recently scrapped seven SEZs that were coming up in the state, reportedly because of violations in the way they were allotted in the first place.The government says that this was in response to large scale public protests, fearing the SEZ's would burden the infrastructure without generating jobs for

Villagers challenge SEZ land allotment

2008-07-10T19:20:00.002+05:30

HERALD REPORTERPANJIM, JULY 9 — Villagers of Sancoale, Verna, and Keri-Ponda through three separate writ petitions filed before the Bombay High Court at Goa, have challenged the allotment of land to SEZ developers in the State.The villagers have challenged the allotment of land on grounds that Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) has transferred the land in gross violation of law and in

Centre sets conditions, will denotify SEZs

2008-07-08T04:50:00.003+05:30

Under pressure from Goa to scrap SEZs,Centre sets conditions: compensate developers, will denotifyJAYANT SINGH, Indian ExpressNEW DELHI, JULY 6:Yielding to Goa’s insistence on cancelling all special economic zones (SEZs), the Commerce and Industry ministry has finally said it could denotify the SEZs if the state seized the land allotted to developers and returned their money along with interest

SVM Resolutions of 6 July

2008-07-08T04:39:00.003+05:30

Resolutions adopted at SVM public meeting held on 6th July, 08 at Colva Parish Hall:1) Disband GIDC and initiate time bound CBI inquiry into the SEZ scam.2) Suspend all officials involved in approving of the plan subsequent to government’s order to scrap all notified SEZs and stop work order being issued to notified SEZs.3) Re-amend the Industrial Act by de-notifying the notified areas and

Colva meet renews demand for scrapping SEZ policy

2008-07-08T04:30:00.002+05:30

BY HERALD REPORTER Serves deadline for disbanding GIDC MARGAO, JULY 6 – Sending a message loud and clear to the government that the people will not keep quiet any longer, the SEZ Virodhi Manch has renewed its demand for the scrapping of the SEZ policy and served a deadline of July 31 to disband Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) and initiation of time-bound inquiry through the Central

Don’t take Goans for a ride, promoters warned

2008-06-27T15:23:00.002+05:30

HERALD REPORTERPANJIM, JUNE 26 — SEZ Virodhi Manch on Thursday warned SEZ promoters not to take Goans for a ride by going to court to get what the people have long back rejected. Addressing a press conference today evening, Aravind Bhatikar of Nitoll Jin Trust, in a terse message asserted, “The State Government should follow proper procedures and not allow any leeway to the SEZ promoters by

national meet on CZM

2008-06-26T09:22:00.005+05:30

At a national meeting on CZM, Pravin Sabnis speaking about the learnings from the SVM agitation against SEZs in Goa.

Rahe? Ja!

2008-06-25T23:21:00.003+05:30

The acts of omission and commission bythe CM, Govt, GIDC & Advocate Generalin facilitating the fraud of SEZswill not go unchecked.They will have to face the furyof the peoples' wrath.The SEZ Virodhi Manch met today eveningto decide future course of action.SVM press conference at Caritas, Panaji6pm, on 26 June 2008, Thursday.SVM calls on all Goansto join the solidarity against SEZsat a PUBLIC

‘No compensation for SEZ promoters’

2008-06-21T09:40:00.002+05:30

BY HERALD REPORTERMARGAO, JUNE 20 – The SEZ Virodhi Manch has reiterated that no compensation whatsoever should be paid by the government to the SEZ promoters, saying the Board of approvals have violated SEZ rules in hastily approving the notifying the SEZ. Welcoming the government decision of revoking the land allotted for SEZ purpose by the GIDC and claiming it to be a victory of the people,

Smile? Sure... Celebrate? Not Yet!!!

2008-06-14T12:05:00.003+05:30

The growing public pressure has forced the Government to instruct the GIDC to revoke land allotment to seven SEZs, including three notified ones. It is necesarry to read the fine print before jumping the gun and celebrating. Nevertheless, we surely deserve to smile.The credit for wahatever steps are being taken to uproot the scam of SEZs goes to first Franky Monteiro, Allan Faleiro and others who

Decision to revoke land to SEZs - what next?

2008-06-14T06:24:00.003+05:30

Goa govt decides to revoke land allotments to seven SEZsFriday, 13 June , 2008, 23:15Panaji: Creating further difficulty for the Special Economic Zone promoters, Goa government-run Industrial Development Corporation today decided to revoke land allotment to seven SEZs, including three notified ones.The IDC board of directors, which met today, stamped on the decision to revoke the lands allotments

More of the SEZ mess in Goa

2008-06-13T09:08:00.002+05:30

Unauthorised meet okayed land13 Jun 2008, 0243 hrs IST, Preetu Nair,TNNNot only did the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) act in haste to allot plots to the K Raheja Corp Pvt Ltd for an SEZ, but they increased the floor area ratio (FAR) on par with the IT habitat at Dona Paula and even sacrificed plans of setting up a government SEZ to allot 300 acres to Meditab Specialities Pvt Ltd.

messages of Solidarity

2008-06-13T06:46:00.002+05:30

As SEZ Virodhi Manch intensifies its resistance against the fradulent SEZs,messasges of solidarity are coming from all over India.Dear Friends This is to tell you that I am in solidarity with you in your struggle against the SEZs. Some years ago I did a study of all displacement by development projects in Goa, 1965-1995 and later tried to update it. Unfortunately I am still searching for a

SEZ mess: How it all started

2008-06-12T06:36:00.002+05:30

12 Jun 2008, 0232 hrs IST, Preetu Nair, TOIPANAJI: The Special Economic Zone Act was enacted by the Centre in June 2005, but the Goa government was exploring possibilities right from December 2004. The first time that the government considered SEZs was on December 29, 2004, when under the chairmanship of then chief minister Manohar Parrikar a decision was taken at a Goa Industrial Development

Goa villagers raise objections for 'god's sake' against SEZ

2008-06-10T06:20:00.001+05:30

Tuesday June 10 2008 00:00 IST PTIKERI: While special economic zones meet with opposition for various reasons across the country, Cipla's pharma SEZ in North Goa's Keri village is garnering objection for “god's sake”. “For the first time since time immemorial, we could not perform our annual religious worship ritual at this place due to the SEZ,” Ramakrishna Jhalmi, a local youth, who is

No playing ball, please.

2008-06-10T06:13:00.003+05:30

No playing ball, please. We have enough grounds to say so - SEZwatch convenor, Albertina Almeida punctures Govt stance on SEZsThe below news item indicates a classic case of playing ball. The CentralGovernment can denotify the SEZs using the General Clauses Act and the Goa Government has to repeal its SEZ, IT, Biotechnology policies, register cases in regard to the SEZ related scams as the facts

SVM speaks to CM

2008-06-05T05:54:00.002+05:30

on 4 June 2008, 8.30 am the SVM delegation met the CM at his Margao Residence and submitted the memorandum given below. Later they met the SP (South) and gave him 8-days to register the FIR or face the peoples wrathToShri Digambar KamatHon. Chief Minister, Govt. of Goa. Sub: Memorandum regarding demands of the SVM to clear the ambiguity on scrapping SEZs in Goa. Sir, 1. Since the State Government

SVM to restart agitation against SEZs (2jun press note)

2008-06-03T10:02:00.001+05:30

The worst fears of the SEZ Virodhi Manch are confirmed with the Central Government intimating that it CANNOT denotify the 3 SEZ notified for Goa. The SVM has always doubted the sincerity of the Government regarding the scrapping of Special Economic Zones in Goa.Five months after its public declaration to scrap the SEZs, the State Government has neither revoked the June 2006 SEZ Policy nor has it

the Return of the SEZS?

2008-06-02T15:59:00.002+05:30

Our worst doubts stand confirmed.The Central Govt has intimated the Goa Government thatit CANNOT denotify the 3 SEZ notified for Goa.Five months after its public posturing to scrap the SEZs, the Goa Government has done precious little to address the following SVM demands:1. revoke the June 2006 SEZ Policy2. constitute CBI inquiry against the obvious fraud of the SEZs in Goa.3. order Goa Police to

SVM press release of 5 May 2008

2008-05-06T06:48:00.001+05:30

The SEZ Virodhi Manch questions the sincerity of the Government of Goa regarding the scrapping of Special Economic Zones in Goa. Four months after its public declaration to scrap the SEZs, the Government has neither revoked the June 2006 SEZ Policy nor has it instituted CBI inquiry against the obvious fraud of the SEZs in Goa. The Goa Police is yet to register the FIR against the fraud by GIDC

SEZ: people move court over land

2008-05-03T07:46:00.000+05:30

BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 1 – Villagers of Loutolim, Verna, Cortalim, Sancoale and Keri have challenged the impropriety by the Goa government and the IDC in allotting land to set up SEZs in Goa by filing three separate petitions before the Bombay High Court, Panjim. The petitions prayed that an independent body such as the CBI or a Commission headed by a High Court or Supreme Court judge be

Keri Gramsabha confirms solidarity against SEZ

2008-04-29T07:09:00.002+05:30

On April 27, 2008, citizens of Keri-Ponda on Sunday passed a resolution requesting the central government to de-notify Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Bhoothkhamb-Keri and to request the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) to hand over the land allotted to Meditab to the Keri panchayat.The gramsabha also resolved to demand the amendment to the Goa Industrial Development Act and delete

SVM shares and connects to a larger solidarity

2008-04-29T07:07:00.003+05:30

Over the past few months SVM has been attending various seminars and meetings all over the country in a larger solidarity against SEZs.29 January 2008: Allan Faleiro makes presentation at Seminar organised at Cuncolim24-25 February 2008: Pravin Sabnis attends 2-day seminar on NATIONAL CONSULTATION CRTITIQUING THE CURRENT JUDICIAL TRENDS ON ENVIRONMENT LAW26th and 27th of Feb 2008: Ramkrishna

Goa: How the battle was won

2008-02-21T19:46:00.002+05:30

By Rifat Mumtaz and Madhumanti SardarRecently, Goa became the only state in India to openly declare that no more Special Economic Zones (SEZs) would be set up on its territory. This was a result of relentless pressure from almost the entire state -- villagers, educated middle class, professionals, activists, the church and media Think of Goa, and beaches, pristine forests, churches and hordes of

SVM solidarity slams Centre

2008-02-06T16:00:00.000+05:30

The solidarity of the Keri villagers is intact.It has been they who provided the dynamism and spirit to the SEZ Virodhi Manch.It is they who stopped the SEZ at Keri.The Keri Nagrik Kruti Samiti under the convenorship of the Keri Sarpanch, Dr Videsh Jhalmi consists of all the Panchas and 87 citizens. It was constituted out of the unanimous resolve of the Gram Sabha of 2 October 2007 which opposed

Beware! Goans have had enough!

2008-01-22T07:21:00.001+05:30

On January 21, 2008, in a major breakthrough to the movement of Colamb villagers seeking to defend their land and agricultural livelihood, group of over 200 villagers stormed into the Fomento mines TC No. 06/1949 and forced to shut down two of its operating units in Colamb village.Most importantly, the SOLIDARITY of the villagers OVERCAME the GOONS used by the mining company.Click and read link:

SVM @ Goa Police Headquarters

2008-01-08T17:19:00.000+05:30

SVM holds demonstration INSIDE Goa Police Headquarters!Over 200 villagers from Keri, Verna, Loutolim, Cortalim and elsewhere demonstrated for over three hours in the Headquarters of the Goa Police at Panaji. The print and video media were witness to the slogan shouting against the inaction of the Goa Police, in their own headquarters!The SEZ Virodhi Manch activists (SVM) were demanding action of

AFTER SEZ -WHAT NEXT?

2008-01-05T07:48:00.000+05:30

The decision of the State Government to close Goa to SEZ should not mean the end of the mobilizations against it. On the contrary it now offers concerned citizens the space to actively contemplate the nature of development that should be followed subsequently. The need for this contemplation is in fact urgent owing to the nature of the threats Goa has been facing for quite a while now; ever so

SVM urges PM to scrap SEZ

2007-12-28T10:28:00.000+05:30

The SEZ Virodhi Manch has urged Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh to take cognisance of the mass anti-SEZ movement taking shape in Goa and direct the Chief Minister to work towards the immediate withdrawal of the SEZ policy in Goa.In a memorandum forwarded via the Secretariat, the Manch drew attention of the Prime Minister to the peaceful protests against the notified and the proposed SEZs in

National meet

2007-12-22T14:47:00.000+05:30

A National Strategy Meeting on SEZ,held at the Gandhi Peace Foundation, Delhi on 19th – 20th December’07.Pravin Sabnis and Orville De Silva

Medha Patkar's message to Goans

2007-12-15T17:12:00.000+05:30

Statement from Ms. Medha Patkar against SEZs in GoaThroughout India the anti-people policies of the Government have caused enormous pain and suffering to the common masses. Under the name of development massive injustices are being inflicted on the people, and policies are being forcefully implemented without concern for the people’s opinion and interest. The Nandigram events have exposed the

Goans want PEZ

2007-12-15T09:02:00.000+05:30

The historic Lohia Maidan at Margaoresonated to the voice of solidarityof the over 5000 determined Goanswho have voiced a resoundingNO to any SEZs in Goa.The Goans demanded PEZ instead!(PEZ - People’s Economic Zone)The public meeting ofSEZ Virodhi ManchWas addressed byrepresentatives from different villageswho are fighting the diabolical SEZsthat are a ploy to create 18 foreign nations within

amka naka SEZ

2007-12-14T08:05:00.000+05:30

There are 3 kinds of Goans- those who MAKE things happen- those who WATCH things happen- and those who WONDER what happenedLet’s MAKE things happenTODAYby showing our solidaritywith our proactive presence at thePUBLIC MEETINGcalled by the SEZ Virodhi Manchon 14 December 20074.00 pm onwardsat LOHIA MAIDAN, Margaoamka naka SEZ amka zai PEZ(PEZ – People’s Economic Zone)(protest in verse inspired by

Marginalising Adivasis

2007-12-13T18:17:00.000+05:30

Marginalising the Adivasis of Goa GOA: PROCESSED, CANNED AND SOLD!By Orville de silva The common man's government is back in news; and this time for a very uncommon purpose. The ideological common man that the present government wishes to serve is the very person it now wishes to annihilate. And how!The proposed food park and the auxiliary services for the Food Park at Quittol in Quepem taluka is

SVM stops SEZ scam at Verna

2007-12-11T08:44:00.000+05:30

On Monday, 10 December 2007, a team of SEZ Virodhi Manch (SVM) went to check on reports by locals that work was in progress on Sunday night, in clear contravention of the Chief minister's directive for stopping work in the Verna SEZs.We were shocked to see the hill being cut.We demanded that the work be immediately stopped and that all machinery and workers be moved out of the fraudulent SEZ (it

SEZs = land grab

2007-12-11T08:41:00.000+05:30

SEZs : AUTHORIZED LAND GRAB?Urban Development Consultant, Prakash M Apte expose on the SEZ scamA national Act was introduced in April 2000 for setting up of Special Economic Zones in the country to provide an internationally competitive and hassle free environment for exports. Units could be set up in SEZ for manufacture of goods and rendering of services. The units in the Zone have to be net

Keri gives a big kick to the fradulent SEZ

2007-12-07T23:20:00.000+05:30

The dynamic ladies and the sincere gents of Keriled by the Keri Nagrik Samiti and SEZ Virodhi Manchflushed out the workers who were clandestinely constructingthe fradulent SEZ promoted by the Meditab Specialities Pvt Ltdat Bhutkhamb, Keri on a plot of 304 acres.The SEZ makes dubious claims to employ 1 lakh people and is just another huge land grab.The Heavy machinery too was brought to the

role of GIDC

2007-12-06T06:54:00.000+05:30

HOW GIDC FUNCTIONS AS AN AGENT FOR DEVELOPERS SEEKING TO GRAB GOAN LAND & MLAS FURTHERING THEIR POLITICAL INTERESTS1. Even though allotment of land is for SEZ, none of the Provisions of the SEZ Act 2005, more particularly Sections 3, 4 and 5 have been followed, and therefore, the whole allotment gets vitiated on this ground.2. At least three of the four companies in the Verna Industrial Estate

SEZ nos don't add up

2007-12-05T21:47:00.000+05:30

How the SEZ numbers don't add upFor labour and for industry in Goa, SEZs will hinder, not helpWhy would you want to swap the engine in your car for one that costs more, uses more petrol per kilometre, is more expensive to maintain, and takes up more space in your car? Such a swap wouldn't make sense to the careful motorist, and it shouldn't make sense to the CEO of a state either. That swap is

GOA: sold for a song

2007-12-04T13:40:00.000+05:30

an article by Br. Orville de SilvaThe demographic, social, cultural and environmental patterns in Goahave undergone rapid changes in recent times. Such changes call for acollective concern and participation by the people the Goa and itsruling government. However, amidst such changes, Goa's politicians have found enough time and opportunity in promoting Special EconomicZones (SEZ) in Goa.Our