Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan said here on Friday that the agreement signed by the government on the SmartCity project was better than the one formulated by the previous (United Democratic Front) government.
Refuting Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy's criticism of the pact, the Chief Minister told a press conference that the agreement signed by the previous government was renewed by the present (Left Democratic Front) government after addressing all issues raised by the LDF when in the Opposition. The government had realised the project, protecting the interests of the State. Hence, Mr. Chandy should apologise for his earlier comment that he (Mr. Achuthanandan) was ‘anti-development.'
(The Cabinet had on Wednesday approved the agreement reached for the revival of the SmartCity project in Kochi following discussions between Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre Ahamed Humaid Al Tayer and Mr. Achuthanandan)
Mr. Achuthanandan said the promoters of the project had now agreed to abide by the original provisions of the agreement signed by the LDF government. It had been ensured that the ‘freehold' land would not be alienable. The Opposition leader was claiming that the agreement prepared during the UDF rule was better. The UDF's agreement provided for the transfer of the State-owned Infopark to the SmartCity project and a ban on the government developing similar facilities in Ernakulam district. However, the Infopark had been retained in the public sector and was expanding its operations to Ambalappuzha, Cherthala and Koratty under the LDF government. Now, it employed 13,500 persons against 3,500 during the UDF rule. The promise of the SmartCity promoters then was to create 5,000 jobs by 2012 if the park was handed over to them. Against that, the Infopark was now poised to generate one lakh job opportunities. The agreement reached by the UDF government would have inhibited IT development in the State.
SEZ status
He said there would not be any problem in getting SEZ (Special Economic Zone) status for a portion of the project area as claimed by Mr. Chandy. Though the Centre had rejected an application earlier on the ground that a rivulet divided the area, it had now been ordered that SEZ status be given to such an area if a bridge was constructed. The Chief Secretary had received a communication from the Centre in that regard.
He said the land promised for future development of SmartCity was to be considered if an application was received. The promoters had made no demands in that regard. Besides, the area earmarked during the UDF rule had been assigned for the second stage of development of the Infopark.
P. Sasi issue
Asked about reports on possible action against former Kannur district secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) P. Sasi, the Chief Minister said the results of discussions in that regard were not up to the expectations. However, there was a decision to appoint an inquiry commission by the party and results had been assured.
He said the government concurred with the demand of the wife of former company secretary of Malabar Cements Limited Sasheendran for a CBI investigation into the death. She had approached court for that. Action would be taken in the ice-cream parlour case and related issues in consultation with higher police officers and the Home Minister after evidence was gathered.
He said the early retirement of Additional Director-General of Police Siby Mathews to take up another post would not affect the investigation of lottery cases. The probe could be carried forward by officials who were assisting him. (Mr. Mathews is tipped to be appointed as State Chief Information Commissioner). He said there was no proposal to appoint a Deputy Superintendent of Police against whom Vigilance cases were pending as a State Information Commissioner.
