Journal of Economics and Development Studies

SEZs and Land Diversifications: Need for an Alternative Model
Dr. Vinit Kumar

Abstract
This paper argues that some transfer of land presently under agriculture to non- agricultural uses will take place in India whether Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are developed or not. But, the present policy of the government on land acquisition falters on a number of counts including livelihood of the displaced, compensation to the owners and non owners of land, sharing of the rise in value of land in the long run, limited employment for the displaced, poor record of rehabilitation and unacceptable mode and formulae of compensation. By delineating SEZs as foreign territories for governance with non- application of the common laws and judicial system, the workers are deprived of their right to collective bargaining, thus making this model discriminatory in nature by promoting exclusionary growth. Hence, it is socially undesirable. The most contentious issue relating to SEZs is land acquisition. After land acquisition and establishment of SEZs and other infrastructure development the area becomes industrially semi-organized or organized. The key issues involved are fixation of compensation for acquisition of land from the farmers, displacement of families and their rehabilitation at secured place, employment of farmers in case of loss of land. These are the issues which are still hanging for proper settlement. As per the existing findings of various studies it has been observed that farmers do not wish to give land and oppose the SEZs. The reason of opposition is land is their bread provider. It has also been observed that adequate compensation has not been given to farmers. It is alleged that SEZs model of industrialization reduces more jobs than it creates. A few people got low scale class fourth jobs. There is a need to work out an alternative model for inclusive growth making people partners in development while invoking their consent for socio-economic change. The glimpse of this alternative can be deciphered from the present debate and in the present paper an attempt would be made to examine the diversification of agricultural land into industrial.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jeds.v2n3a16