Groups opposing the seting up of SEZ’s in Maharstra, Gujarat, Goa and MP, have come together to convene a “Western Regional Consultation on SEZ” to discuss common strategies. It is known that in the wake of mounting opposition to the SEZs all over the country, the Central state is pursuing a two track policy. On one hand, it has declared that SEZ’s will stay, and the green signal has been given to continuing land acquisition all across the country, especially where the resistance is not strong.  On the other hand, it has advertised that it is amending the SEZ Act and has put forth a new Bill for Rehabilitation and Resettlement, which allegedly takes care of the concerns of the people.

There has been strong condemnation of the two bills, as well as the entire outlook of the government to the protests. The working class and people are demanding the repeal of the colonial Land Acquisition Act, as well as the SEZ Act in any form. They have also raised serious questions about the Bill on Rehabilitation and Resettlement. Some of these issues have been raised in an earlier issue of Peoples Voice In this context, the move by organizations opposed to SEZs in the Western Region acquires significance, especially as the country moves towards a General Election in the coming year.