HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy said the Government would ensure that farmers displaced by Special Economic Zones (SEZ) do not incur any loss and would be adequately compensated.

At the 34th Formation Day of the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) here on Tuesday, he reiterated that development was essential. However, the Government would ensure that fertile agricultural lands were not allocated for SEZs. "Even where farmers are displaced, we will take adequate care," he assured.

Environmental fund

The Chief Minister agreed that more concessions were required to encourage weaker sections and women to become entrepreneurs. Officials were chalking out plans to help the underprivileged with financial assistance so that they could support themselves while providing employment.

Dr. Reddy announced creation of an Environmental Management Fund by APIIC with an annual outlay of Rs. 50 crores. The money would be used for comprehensive plans in State industrial parks, with a sizable chunk for improving awareness. The

APIIC would take help from GTZ, the technical cooperation agency of Germany, to chalk out plans. He said a provision of Rs. 50 crores would be made for the Annual Maintenance Fund.

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