NEW DELHI: Even as local protests against "forcible acquisition" of agricultural land for creation of SEZs in Punjab, West Bengal and Maharashtra continue, civil society groups are demanding the repeal of the "anti-democratic and unconstitutional" Special Economic Zones Act, 2005.

The Act violates the right to life and livelihood of people, who are being forcibly displaced for implementation of projects, says a petition addressed by over 100 civil society groups and individuals to Pranab Mukherjee, chairman of the Empowered Group of Ministers on SEZs.

They have sought cancellation of the approved and notified SEZs and return of land. Talks should be held with people's groups, communities and panchayat representatives to seek their opinion on strengthening local economies.

A critique enclosed with the petition raises issues of land-based livelihood displaced by the SEZs, environmental concerns and labour exploitation.

Land grabbing

On the question of land grabbing, the petition says the principle of ``eminent domain,'' which is the basis of the Land Acquisition Act (1894), is being misused and even given priority over the principles in the 73rd and 74th Amendments of the Constitution that give primacy to gram sabhas as autonomous decision-making entities. The status of ``deemed foreign territory'' being granted to the SEZs will further undermine the sovereignty of local governance systems. However, what is really going to challenge the governance system is the concentration of power in the hands of the Development Commissioner at the State level and in the Board of Approvals at the Centre, says the petition.

Ironically, the SEZs are being granted approvals, with no single mention of studies being carried out on social environment impact and damage. India is already going through a crisis in terms of water scarcity as well as loss of forests and biodiversity. The point is that in the current framework of economic development the costs of loss of forest and other common lands, large scale exploitation of water resources, coastal land, and environmental pollution are not even being computed.'' It has been repeatedly highlighted that the very legislative framework of SEZs is problematic, making it a draconian Act that promotes large scale privatisation and monopoly of resources in the hands of a few private developers at huge costs to the State exchequer as well as the economy and environment.

The Board of Approvals, under the Commerce Ministry, has already granted formal approval for 237 projects, of which 63 have been notified, while hundreds are still awaiting approval, says the petition.

The memorandum has been endorsed by eminent individuals, farmers, Dalits, Adivasis, fisherworker and women's rights groups, non-governmental organisations, researchers and intellectuals.

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