Mangalore: The lone MSEZ planned for economic development has been running into thorny bushes and difficult hurdles of growth and expansion, due to corrupt officers working in the region, so that displaced families have not received their dues, in spite of early false assurances from Nodal Officer down to KIADB personnel. It has not approached families to enquire into their present problems. The state authorities and DK administration have washed their hands off, in regard to these thorny issues. The distraught families, like crybabies, have decided to “take out an indefinite hunger strike”, also known as Satyagraha, from March 1, 2011 in front of DK-DCO here.
Speaking at the Press club on Thursday (today) in the morning Deepak Permude, a GP member from Kalavaru said that the question of employment in MSEZ for the displaced youths remained vague and unhelpful.
He added that the displaced persons had rejected MSEZ proposals made in Bangalore on January 29. One of the proposals assured of an unemployment allowance till regular jobs are provided. Formation of a trust administered by PDF members and MSEZ officials had been mooted. An ex-gratia payment to such families, in addition to what was already agreed, was turned down. Providing suitable employment in other units and salary fully matched by SEZ, educational allowance to members of displaced families, were discussed, but not accepted. None of these or other proposals were agreeable to the restless youth and members of families, Permude added.
This displaced families representatives wanted to meet minister Krishna Palemar, MP Nalin Kumar Kateelu and Local MLAs, to discuss various issues. Two youths had attempted suicide a month ago out of disillusionment.
One does not understand what exactly they want and how much in compensation, to fit into new situation outside MSEZ. Dharna is no solution.