New Delhi: As uncertainty looms large over the fate of SEZs in Goa, the Centre will have to go by the advice of the state where large-scale political opposition has built up against these tax free zones, an official said.

Seven special economic zones in Goa, including those by Rahejas and Meditab Specialities, face uncertainty despite being cleared by the Centre due to agitation in the tourism and mineral state. "The Board of Approval in the Commerce Ministry will have to take a view after hearing from the state," the official said.

While the state would announce the final decision on SEZs after the New Year celebrations, the task force headed by Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has already recommended scrapping of the SEZs in Goa. The task force termed SEZs as detrimental to the overall interest of the state. Goa is facing anti-SEZ movement initiated by the BJP and later joined by the Congress, NCP and the Catholic Church.

The official said it would be wrong to compare the Goa agitation with protests in Nandigram. "Goa has limited land and the issue is specific to the state," he said. The Centre has granted formal approval to seven SEZs, of which three have been notified. The SEZs in the state include a 123 hectare pharma zone by Meditab Specialities, 105 hectare service SEZ by K Raheja Corporation and a 48 hectare biotech zone by Inox Mercantile.

Source : PTI