SEZ the first giant step towards prosperity - sure progression from farmer to equity investorCategory: Opinion
Article added by: Manu Dagar
Several doubts clouding over the concept of Special Economic Zones seem to be lifting in recent days. Begun with a bang last year, the recent initiatives by the private sector to create zones of economic excellence, through agriculture, industrial efforts and allied commercial activity, have faced within a very short time uncertainty and political opposition under the excuse of protection to farmers.
In the case of states like West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, most of the opposition was politically motivated. On the other hand, it cannot be denied that some amount of land grabbing was also taking place, by land sharks close to these political outfits.
The most prominent example of disruption of proposed SEZs has been the Singur project of Tatas, what with Trinamool Congress leader Ms Mamata Banerjee‘s hunger strike in Kolkata that led to violence and animosity amongst in the proposed SEZ area.
Amongst all this there is hope yet because there are positive examples—of private sector and government cooperation –to set up SEZs like Haryana State Industrial Development Corporation and Reliance Industries, signed in Chandigarh last year.
Government feedback claims that the people’s support at grassroots level has been ‘overwhelming’ and the reasons for this may be attributed to the fact that unlike many other private companies, RIL is adjudged to be a success oriented company, not merely a claimant to good work in its selected sphere of activity. Its track record and the wealth it has created for the common man, is legendary.
Also, the company as well as the state government are offering a price that is five to seven times more than what was offered just one year ago. Also, there is a deep faith in the belief of corporate social responsibility that is the guiding philosophy of RIL, under which education and health of people is taken care of.
To give all rounded advice to the farmers or sharecroppers whose lands have been acquired, camps are held and individual advice is given, as a result of which 70 to 80 percent of the farmers have multiplied their land holdings by investing in other areas or services. For example, many have become service providers for call centers by offering taxi services.
Due to the expert advice given, many are also showing interest in equity investments. For India , this is the first giant step towards prosperity – it is a slow but sure progression from farmer to equity investor . Now we know from where film director Mani Ratnam got his idea for the film ‘Guru’ from. Any doubts?
Posted By: Manu Dagar
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