Post on 21-Apr-2018
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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CHAPTER-IV
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4. Introduction of SEZ
The concept of SEZs was introduced for the first time in India through the Foreign
Trade Policy of 2000-2001. A SEZ is an especially demarcated area of land, owned
and operated by a private company, which is deemed to be foreign territory for the
purpose of trade, duties and tariffs. The SEZs enjoy exemptions from customs duties,
income tax, sales tax, service tax. A SEZ is a geographical region that has economic
laws that are more liberal than a country’s general economic laws to attract FDI. The
numbers of SEZs continues to expand globally and are viewed as an important policy
instrument to promote industrialization and economic growth and generate own of
employment.1
The SEZ Act, 2005 is expected to foster exports and FDI inflows into India by Public
Private Partnership (PPP) for the development of world-class infrastructure and to
attract private investment (domestic and foreign), boosting economic growth, exports
and employment.2 The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) lays down at the
regulations for administering of the SEZs. The policy framework for SEZs has been
supplemented with SEZ Act and the supporting procedures are detailed in SEZ Rules,
2006.
The SEZ is an industrial cluster with assured infrastructure aimed at increasing the
country’s exports,3 where as sustainable development is to “de-couple” economic
growth from adverse effects on the environment and natural resources.4 The
sustainability notions supports and stimulate new innovative initiatives aims at
improving the stock, quality and productivity of the resource base and livelihood
opportunities.5
1 K.N.Ghorude, India‘s Special Economic Zones: Role and Critical Success factors (HimalyaPublishing House, Delhi,2008)
2 Export and Import Directory India’s Finance and Investment guide,htt;://finance.indiamart.com(2007).
3 Partha.Mukhopadhyay, The Promised Land of SEZs, 581 & 582 Seminars, Jan. / Feb. 2008, NewDelhi.
4 “India to Restart Clearing EconomicZones”-yahoo! 7News, 2007.5 N, Lalita. “Sustainable Management of Local Resources”Yojana, (55)33(2011).
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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The SEZs devastated natural resources and transferred land at cheap rate to real estate
developers in the name of development giving an empty promise to farming
community in India.6 It is indeed true that these "foreign territories" provide
livelihoods to thousands of people but the benefits of SEZs in terms of sustainability
remains euphoria. It is important to remember that SEZs entice investors with the
promise of cheap labour and a peaceful work environment.7 The paper assesses the
socio-economic impact of SEZ on sustainability and resource utilization empirically
in Gautama Buddha Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh.
Figure-4.2: Layout Representation of the Proposed Cities Across Five Locations
Along The Yamuna Expressway
Source: Jaypee group, Annual report 2009-10
6 K.N. Ghorude, India‘s Special Economic Zones: Role and Critical Success factors (HimalyaPublishing House, Delhi, 2008).
7 V.K. Srinivasan & P.S. Sundaram, “SEZ – International Experience and Indian scenario”MediaIndia New Service, Bombay, Jan. 2008
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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4.1 Study Area of Gautama Buddha Nagar (Noida)
Figure-4.3: Root map of survey area
4.2 Profile of Study Area: Gautama Buddha Nagar
Gautama Buddha Nagar district consists of four major sub divisions, Dadri, Jewar
Dankor and Bisarkh. District Gautama Buddha Nagar district was formed in 1997 by
taking entire Dadri tehsil,6 villages of Hapur tahsil8 both from Ghaziabad and three
town of Khurja tehsil both from Bulandshehar. Table-I depicts the geographical
setting of district of Gautama Buddha Nagar.
8 The name has been change by new State Government Policy
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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Table-4.1: Profile Gautama Buddha Nagar District
blocks Area (Sq Km.) Total-population Male populationFemale
population
Sc
population ST
Senior
Basic
School
Higher
Secondary
School
Total
Literate(%)
Dadri 473.82 6142985 78392 64593 23026 -- 35 15 58223 73.9
Jewar 428.99 135801 73455 62346 34701 -- 40 14 47537 59.7
Bisrakh 318.25 138563 78437 60126 21731 34 97 19 61268
dankor 452.78 183836 99944 83892 37678 -- 35 15 66859
Source: District Statistical Handbook, 2000-01, http://gbnagar.nic.in
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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The region in which the Zone lies is located on the western periphery of UP and is
situated on the upper daub of the Ganga and Yamuna which form the eastern
boundaries respectively separating the region from district of Bulandshahar,
Moradabad and Badaun in the east and the state of Haryana and Delhi in the west.9
The location is approx. 30 min drive from Delhi. Major towns such as Delhi, Meerut,
Faridabad ,Aligarh and Mathura falls within the 100 km radius and Jaipur ,Bareilly,
Agra and Gwalior falls within 300 km radius of the SEZ.10 The region is endowed
with adequate water resources. The main source of surface water in the region is
rivers, canals and lakes. The bulk requirement of water in the region is met by rivers
Ganga and Yamuna.11
The quality of water is considered very well. As regards to the ground water resources
85% of the annual precipitation occurs during monsoon months the rainfall ranges
between less than 50 cm in south west of the region to more than 75 cm in the north
and north east parts and about 180 cms near Delhi state. The general water table
ranges between 6 to 15 meters below the ground level. The quality of ground level in
the entire region is good and is used for drinking and irrigation purposes. A high
portion of all most 96% of the cultivable area is under irrigation. The region has
mostly rich and loamy soil which is very fertile.12 Due to the mounting pressure of
population and extensive cultivation, very little has been left of the natural vegetation.
The area has dry deciduous trees and at the major demographic features points
towards the lead in almost all sub heads for Dadri sub district.
The New Okhla Industrial Development Area, which is analogous to the Planning
Area/ Notified Area of Noida city falls entirely within the district of Gautama Buddha
Nagar. It covers 81 revenue villages and a total of about 20,316 hectare of land. It is
located enclose proximity to the metropolitan city of Delhi and lies along the eastern
and southeastern boundaries of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The area
forms part of the U. P. Sub-region of NCR.
9 J.Cheng & I. Masser, “Urban growth pattern modeling: a case study of Wuhan City” PR China.Landscape and Urban Planning, (62) 99-217.2003
10 M.A. Gomarasca, et. al. “One century of land use changes in the metropolitan area of Milan”(Italy). International Journal of Remote Sensing, 14(2): 211-223 (1993).11K.E. Haynes, F.Y. Phillips & J.W. Mohrfield, “The Entropy: Some Roots of Ambiguity” Socio-Economic Planning Structure, 14: 137-145(1980).
12 Lo, C.P & X. Yang, “Drivers of land-use/land-cover changes and dynamic modeling for theAtlanta, Georgia Metropolitan Area” Photogrammetric Engineering of Remote Sensing, 68(10):1062-1073(2002).
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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Figure-4.4: Survey of Villages and Sectors of Noida
Noida is a planned township with an ultimate size of 10,000 small scale industrial
units that provides employment to 41,000 industrial workers and is having an
integrated township for 37500 workers that has already reached a population of
398448 as per Census of 2001.
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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Figure-4.5: Rural and Urban Representation of Gautama Buddha Nagar
NSEZ is located in district Ghaziabad of UP within the planned township of Noida,
with draft Master Plan of Noida 2021.13 It is situated between Delhi and greater Noida
which is the most developed part of UP falling within National Capital Region. The
size of the zone has presently been set at 1000 ha.
A SEZ or free trade zone is a cluster of industrial units operating in well-defined area
within the geographical boundary of a country where certain economic activities are
promoted by a set of policy measures that are not generally applicable to the rest of
the country.14
13 Neetha N, Varma UK (2004). Labor, Employment and Gender Issues in EPZs: The Case of NEPZ.Noida:V.V. Giri National Labor Institute
14 (New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (2010)
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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Figure-4.5: Rural and Urban Representation of Gautama Buddha Nagar
NSEZ is located in district Ghaziabad of UP within the planned township of Noida,
with draft Master Plan of Noida 2021.13 It is situated between Delhi and greater Noida
which is the most developed part of UP falling within National Capital Region. The
size of the zone has presently been set at 1000 ha.
A SEZ or free trade zone is a cluster of industrial units operating in well-defined area
within the geographical boundary of a country where certain economic activities are
promoted by a set of policy measures that are not generally applicable to the rest of
the country.14
13 Neetha N, Varma UK (2004). Labor, Employment and Gender Issues in EPZs: The Case of NEPZ.Noida:V.V. Giri National Labor Institute
14 (New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (2010)
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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Figure-4.5: Rural and Urban Representation of Gautama Buddha Nagar
NSEZ is located in district Ghaziabad of UP within the planned township of Noida,
with draft Master Plan of Noida 2021.13 It is situated between Delhi and greater Noida
which is the most developed part of UP falling within National Capital Region. The
size of the zone has presently been set at 1000 ha.
A SEZ or free trade zone is a cluster of industrial units operating in well-defined area
within the geographical boundary of a country where certain economic activities are
promoted by a set of policy measures that are not generally applicable to the rest of
the country.14
13 Neetha N, Varma UK (2004). Labor, Employment and Gender Issues in EPZs: The Case of NEPZ.Noida:V.V. Giri National Labor Institute
14 (New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (2010)
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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Figue-4.6: Population Growth of Area
(Source: A. H. Jamal, “Noida Master Plan” Town & Country Planner, 2021)
Noida NSEZ was set up in 1985 in Noida phase-II on a 310-acre plot of land. NSEZ
has 370 developed plots, nine factory complexes that can accommodate 154 units.
Industrial units comprise software developers, garment manufacturers, jewelers,
manufacturers of electrical goods, etc.15. With the advent of NSEZ, the land
surrounding and the industrial area of SEZ have been transformed into a semi-urban
residential area.16 This has resulted in infrastructural development activities like road
construction, housing, transport activities, etc. in the adjoining areas of SEZs. These
large scale infrastructural development activities in nearby areas of SEZ resulted in air
pollution, water pollution and degradation of natural resources, which are precious for
the growth of a nation.
15 (Noida Special Economic Zone (2010).16 H.C. Honnappa & K.G. Ramakrishna, “SEZs: Some Critical Issues” Southern Economist May
(2009).
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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Figue-4.6: Population Growth of Area
(Source: A. H. Jamal, “Noida Master Plan” Town & Country Planner, 2021)
Noida NSEZ was set up in 1985 in Noida phase-II on a 310-acre plot of land. NSEZ
has 370 developed plots, nine factory complexes that can accommodate 154 units.
Industrial units comprise software developers, garment manufacturers, jewelers,
manufacturers of electrical goods, etc.15. With the advent of NSEZ, the land
surrounding and the industrial area of SEZ have been transformed into a semi-urban
residential area.16 This has resulted in infrastructural development activities like road
construction, housing, transport activities, etc. in the adjoining areas of SEZs. These
large scale infrastructural development activities in nearby areas of SEZ resulted in air
pollution, water pollution and degradation of natural resources, which are precious for
the growth of a nation.
15 (Noida Special Economic Zone (2010).16 H.C. Honnappa & K.G. Ramakrishna, “SEZs: Some Critical Issues” Southern Economist May
(2009).
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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Figue-4.6: Population Growth of Area
(Source: A. H. Jamal, “Noida Master Plan” Town & Country Planner, 2021)
Noida NSEZ was set up in 1985 in Noida phase-II on a 310-acre plot of land. NSEZ
has 370 developed plots, nine factory complexes that can accommodate 154 units.
Industrial units comprise software developers, garment manufacturers, jewelers,
manufacturers of electrical goods, etc.15. With the advent of NSEZ, the land
surrounding and the industrial area of SEZ have been transformed into a semi-urban
residential area.16 This has resulted in infrastructural development activities like road
construction, housing, transport activities, etc. in the adjoining areas of SEZs. These
large scale infrastructural development activities in nearby areas of SEZ resulted in air
pollution, water pollution and degradation of natural resources, which are precious for
the growth of a nation.
15 (Noida Special Economic Zone (2010).16 H.C. Honnappa & K.G. Ramakrishna, “SEZs: Some Critical Issues” Southern Economist May
(2009).
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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4.3 Socio-Economic Indicators
The socio-economic indicators of Gautama Buddha Nagar provide data on education,
gender, poverty, housing, amenities, employment and other economic indicators. The
socio-economic indicator under the purview of SEZ Act can be briefly outlined as
under:
• To study various socio economic aspects and trends in population in various
planned nodes of Dadri, Dankor, Bisarkh & Jewar, sub district of Gautama
Buddha Nagar.
• To establish benchmarks of progress for SEZ and highlight the directions for
future planning,
• To ascertain economic status of households in terms of household income,
expenditure, ownership status of household assets.
• To understand the transportation profile of the Dadri, Dankor, Bisarkh & Jewar
residents and to ascertain opinion of the household regarding social, cultural,
environmental, health and security aspects.
• To study the status of Women Empowerment in SEZ.17
The main purpose of conducting the periodical survey is to provide the benchmark
progress of SEZ and highlight the direction to which the city of Gautama Buddha
Nagar is moving. The information generated from the household surveys is very
crucial for providing valuable direction for socio- economic profile of settled
population, performance of Gautama Buddha Nagar. Thus the socio-economic impact
is studied broadly taken in areas of under progress educational, social indicators,
economic indicators, employments, housing & amenities, drinking water sanitation,
and health. The table-3.2 represents the socio economic trends of the area of study of
Gautama Buddha Nagar.
17Nomani Zafar Mahfooz & Mohammad Rauf, Engendering Socio-Economic Entitlements and GenderJustice To Women in Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in India, paper presents on the NationalSeminar in Viveka nanada college of Law at Aligarh, 2 & 3rd April 2011.
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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Table- 4.2: The Socio-Economic Indicators
StateIndicators
U.P
EDUCATION
State/UT wise LiteracyRate in India 2001
(Census)
Percentage of Literates to Population Aged 7 Years & AboveTotal Male
Female
56.3 68.8 42.2
State/UT wise GrossPrimary Enrolment Ratioin India 2004-05 (Latest)
Gross Primary (6-11 years) Enrolment RatioTotal Boys Girls
107.54 110.63 104.15
Mean Age at Effective
Marriage of Females by
Residence in India and
Bigger States, 2005
(Latest)
Age at effective marriage
Total Rural Urban
<18 18-20 21+All
Ages< 18
18-
2021+
All
Ages< 18 18-20 21+ All Ages
16.218.9 24.3 19.8 16.2 18.9 2 4.2 19.6 16.6 19.2 24.7 21.4
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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SOCIAL
INDICATORS
State/UT wise Proportion
of Population below
Poverty Line in India
2004-05 (Latest)
State Specific Poverty
Line
No. (Rs Per
Capita/Month)
No. of Persons (Lakhs)
Percentage of Persons
Rural Urban Rural Urban Combined Rural Urban Combine
365.84 483.26 473.00 117.03 590.03 33.4 30.6 32.8
ECONOMIC
INDICATORS
Per Capita Net State
Domestic Product at
Current Prices 1999-2000
to 2005-06 (Position as on
25.11.2007) In Rupees
Year 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06
9405 9541 9781 10435 11250 11941 13262
Employment in the
Organised Sector in India
(Latest)
Total Employment in Thousand
As on 31.3.2004 As on 31.3.2006
Public
Sector
Private
SectorTotal Public Sector Private Sector Total
1641.5 446.5 2088.0 1636.4 449.6 2086.0
Distribution of Population Total Number of Workers Total Number of Workers
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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by Workers & Non
Workers in India
2001(Census)
Total Males Females Total Males Females
53983824 40981558 13002266 112214097 43811658 65630286
Distribution of
Households by Type of
Census Houses Occupied
in India 2001 (Census)
Total no of
Households Type of Census Houses
25760601
PermanentSemi-
PermanentTemporary Unclassifiable
13752000 6600491
Total
5406292
Serviceable Nonserviceable
1818
4351684 1054608
Percentage of Households
Having Electricity in India
2001 (Census)
2001
RuralUrban Total
19.84 79.92 31.90
(Source: Based on Census of India, 2001 and analyzed on the basis of field survey)
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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4.4 Research Methodology
The theory of sampling has its origin way back in the history of mankind. People took
a portion of a totality, generally called the statistical population, to decide about its
nature. The selected part is generally referred to as a sample. The proper scientific
tools used to obtain a sample from a population are referred to as the sampling
techniques and a specific procedure of selecting a sample is called sampling design.
The collection of a sampling design, selection procedure and the estimation procedure
is referred as the sampling strategy.
4.4.1Stages in Selection of A Sampling
Definite stages of selecting sampling understood by the help of the following diagram
Stages in selection of a sample ,
Define the target population
Select a sampling frame
Determine if probability or non-probability sampling will be chooses
Plan procedures for selecting sampling units
Determine sampling size
Select actual sampling Units
Conduct field work
Name, Number of Village & House Holds
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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It has always been quite a difficult work for any researcher to cover the whole
population for the purpose of study hence sample in a capsule from a given population
is used. Thus a sample is a small portion of a specific universe. For selecting
appropriate sample random sampling technique is adopted in conducting present
investigation. In this sampling technique, every individual has an equal probability of
being selected. The total urban area of Gautama Buddha Nagar consists of 300 towns
in which there are 3 Tehsils and 4 blocks. 10% towns out of 15 towns were taken as
sample for this research. The 10% persons were randomly selected from each of the
15 towns. The people who were selected for the sample were divided into six groups
and these groups were again divided into sub groups.
The groups were categorized into 10 sub- groups
1. Name
2. Age
3. Sex
4. Marital Status
5. Education qualification
6. Occupation
7. Income per month
8. Total members in family
9. Status of Property
10. Affected by SEZ Policy
Further all groups were divided into two sub groups. The first group was not divided
into any sub groups after that all are divided in two sub groups. Second groups were
divided into age (a) o-30 year and above 30 year. The fourth groups divided in to
married and unmarried sub groups. The fifth groups were divided into literate and
illiterate sub groups. The sixth were divided into two occupations, agricultural and
others groups. The seventh income group was divided also two sub groups below
Rs70000 p.m. income group and above Rs7000 income p.m. The eighths group i.e.
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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total member in the family group was divided into two sub groups. The ninth group
was divided into status of property (a) land owner (b) Lessee. The last one was also
divided into two sub groups affected by SEZ Policy directly and indirectly.
District G.B.Nagar
Tehsils
G.B.Nagar Jewar Dadri
Dankour Jewar Bisarkh
Total no of
villages=149
Total no of villages=104 Total no of
villages=97
For survey 10%
village=15
For survey 10% village=10 For survey 10%
village=10
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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4.3: Name of Noida’s villages Total No of Households 10% from each village
S.No Name of Village Total House holds Surveyed Households
(10%)
01 Yakubpur 141 14
02 Shahberi 99 10
03 Akalpur Jagir 1060 106
04 Sector 80 149 15
05 Bhagel 737 73
06 Nagla Charanda 193 19
07 Tatarpur 208 20
08 Bhatta Parsoul 250 25
09 Dhoom Khara 198 20
10 Surajpur 323 32
4.4.2 Sample and Data Collection
Noida is an area under the management of the New Okhla Industrial Development
Authority (also called Noida). Noida came into administrative existence on 17 April
1976 and celebrates 17 April as "Noida Day"18. Abhishek Sinha set it up as a part of
an urbanization thrust during the controversial Emergency period. The city was
created under the UP Industrial Area Development Act. Noida is located in Gautama
Buddha Nagar (G.B.Nagar) district of Uttar Pradesh state. G.B Nagar district with
geographical area of 1442 Sq. Km with headquarters at industrial city of Greater has
three Tehsils and four developmental blocks viz. Bisarkh, Dadri, and Dankaur &
Jewar19. The total population of the district was 1105292 and average population
density was 766 persons per sq. km.20 The district's administrative headquarters are in
the nearby town of Surajpur. However, the district's highest government official, the
District Magistrate (DM), resides in Noida. The city is a part of the Noida-Dadri
Vidhan Sabha constituency and G.B Nagar Lok Sabha constituency. Noida stands at
17th place when it comes to cleanliness in India leaving far behind Gurgaon and
Faridabad NCR who stand at 87th and 237 respectively.21
18 District Statistical Handbook,201019 Census 200120 Chief Treasury officer, Gautama Buddha Nagar21 E-paper. amarujala. http://epaper.amarujala.com
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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4.5 Socio-Economic Impact Analysis
The socio economic indicators are expected to allow a systemic approach to the
knowledge of the socio-economic reality of the society and changes in the resources.
Economic indicators are neither easy nor immediate. It often happens that access to
the data necessary for constructing the indicators is very difficult. The methods used
by researchers for data collection never coincide with each other, and some data have
never been compiled.
As GB Nagar communities continue to grow, local officials and community members
are constantly challenged by the need to balance fiscal, social, economic, and
environmental goals. One aspect of this challenge is deciding how much and what
types of new development the community can accommodate without compromising
the day-to-day quality of life for residents. The socio-economic impact assessment is
designed to assist communities in making decisions that promote long-term sustain-
ability, including economic prosperity, a healthy community, and social well-
being. The educational status of the district represents process of empowerment and
tabulated under Table-3.4.
Table-4.4: Educational Institutions Position of the Study Area, Gautama BuddhaNagar
NAME
TOTAL
NO. OF
SCHOOLS
BLOCKSJR.BASIC
SCHOOL
SR.BASIC
SCHOOL
HIGER
SEC.SCHOOL
DEGREE
COLLEGE
JR.BASICSCHOOL
636 Dankor 174 35 15 1
SR.BASICSCHOOL
127 Jewar 122 40 14 0
HIGERSEC.SCHOOL
90 Bisrakh 187 97 19 0
DEGREECOLLEGE
4 Dadri 288 112 17 1
(Source: A Study of Gautama Buddha Nagar, India)
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
168
Figur-4.7: Position of Educational Institution in the Area
The assessment socio-economic impacts require both quantitative and qualitative
measurements of the impact of a proposed SEZ.22 For example, a proposed NSEZ
may increase employment in the community and create demand for more affordable
housing. Both effects are easily quantifiable. Also of importance, however, are the
perceptions of community members about whether the proposed development is
consistent with a commitment to preserving the rural character of the community. The
assessment of community perceptions about development requires the use of land
methods capable of revealing often complex and unpredictable community values.23
This provides an overview of socio-economic impact assessment, including what it is,
why it is important and guidance on how to conduct a socio-economic impact
assessment. During the pre-independence period, the concern for environmental
problems in India was least because of both small size of population and absence of
industrialization.24 The concern for waste management through reuse and recycling
drew attention with accelerating industrialization.
22 Heckman, James.J. (1979) “Sample Selection as a Specification Error” Econométrica 47, 153-161.23 Appu, P.S.(1997) Land Reforms in India: A Survey of Policy, Legislation and Implementation
,New Delhi24 Ring.I.( 1997) Evolutionary Strategies In Environmental Policy, Ecol Econ 1997;23(3)
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
169
Table-4.5: Educational Position of the Study Area, Gautama Buddha Nagar
The Figure-4.5 above indicates ten village’s educational contributions, development of Children and
empowerment.
S.No. VILLAGESSTRONGLY
AGREE
STRONGLY
AGREE
STRONGLY
AGREE
1 Yakubpur 3 4
2 Shahberi 2
3 Akalpur jagir 4 5 3
4 Sector 80 8 2 5
5 Bhagel 26 10 10
6Nagla
Charanda1 8 11
7 Tatarpur 3 1
8 Bhatta Parsoul 1 3 8
9 Dhoom khara 6 2
10 Surajpur 6 3 7
11 Average 7.6667 5.777 5.3
12Standard
Division9.395 2.72845 3.5292
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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Figure-4.8: Educational Enhancement by SEZ in Ten Villages
The graphs indicate the village of Bhagel’s high response. The Households says that
SEZ has improved the economic condition of villagers and made a nice contribution
in education and second highest positive answer in the village of Bhatta Parsoul that is
8%.
4.6 SEZ and Land Acquisition
The MoCI has discussed that the SEZs will be coming only on barren lands and single
crop lands. But in practice it has not been so. The policy of SEZ has already acquired
the stigma of land grabbing policy.25 People have already expressed their negative
views over SEZs saying destroying valuable agricultural plots seems especially ill-
conceived, as farmers are not likely to make an easy transition to the jobs on offer at
these SEZs. For getting industrial development sacrifice of agricultural land is non-
permissible.
25. Editor. “ Debate Over SEZ is Good, Better would be an Informed Debate” Express IndiaSeptember 28, 2006.
34
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
STRONGLY AGREE
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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Figure-4.8: Educational Enhancement by SEZ in Ten Villages
The graphs indicate the village of Bhagel’s high response. The Households says that
SEZ has improved the economic condition of villagers and made a nice contribution
in education and second highest positive answer in the village of Bhatta Parsoul that is
8%.
4.6 SEZ and Land Acquisition
The MoCI has discussed that the SEZs will be coming only on barren lands and single
crop lands. But in practice it has not been so. The policy of SEZ has already acquired
the stigma of land grabbing policy.25 People have already expressed their negative
views over SEZs saying destroying valuable agricultural plots seems especially ill-
conceived, as farmers are not likely to make an easy transition to the jobs on offer at
these SEZs. For getting industrial development sacrifice of agricultural land is non-
permissible.
25. Editor. “ Debate Over SEZ is Good, Better would be an Informed Debate” Express IndiaSeptember 28, 2006.
4
8
26
1 1
5
2
108
3 32
35
1011
1
8
STRONGLY AGREE STRONGLY AGREE STRONGLY AGREE
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
170
Figure-4.8: Educational Enhancement by SEZ in Ten Villages
The graphs indicate the village of Bhagel’s high response. The Households says that
SEZ has improved the economic condition of villagers and made a nice contribution
in education and second highest positive answer in the village of Bhatta Parsoul that is
8%.
4.6 SEZ and Land Acquisition
The MoCI has discussed that the SEZs will be coming only on barren lands and single
crop lands. But in practice it has not been so. The policy of SEZ has already acquired
the stigma of land grabbing policy.25 People have already expressed their negative
views over SEZs saying destroying valuable agricultural plots seems especially ill-
conceived, as farmers are not likely to make an easy transition to the jobs on offer at
these SEZs. For getting industrial development sacrifice of agricultural land is non-
permissible.
25. Editor. “ Debate Over SEZ is Good, Better would be an Informed Debate” Express IndiaSeptember 28, 2006.
66
3
8
2
7
STRONGLY AGREE
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
171
Table-4.6: Land Used distribution 2011(approved Plan) and 2021 [hactare]
(Source: A. H. Jamal, “Noida Master Plan” Town & Country Planner, 2021)
The SEZ Act lies down that it is to be set up on a minimum 1,000 ha of land or
Traditional lands under multiple uses.26 These lands mostly are agro-biodiversity
farmlands, mangrove belts, wetland and even forest patches. Each of these has a
critical ecological role in maintaining healthy environment besides being having an
inherent link with people’s livelihoods and subsistence.27 Thus, when these lands
metamorphose in to SEZs, the ecological functions and human survival are bound to
be adversely affected.
The Supreme Court has elaborated on the right to adequate housing, shelter and
livelihood as part of the all-encompassing right to life under Article 2128 in the
landmark case of Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation.29
That is why the local people are resisting projects in other parts of country like
Nandigram and Singur in West Bengal, Alibha in Maharashtra, Bhatta Parsol and
Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh on the grounds of the loss of productive lands in
26 Okushima. Shinichiro & Uchimura. Hiroko, “Economic Reforms and Income Inequality in Urba”China Discussion paper No. 25 in Institute of development Economics (2005).
27 Herbert Jauch, Export Processing Zones and the Quest for Sustainable Development: A SouthAfrican Perspective,14 Environment & Urbanization 108, April 2002
28 Article 14 0f the Indian Constitution read as: Protection of life and personal liberty-No person shallbe deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.
29 AIR,1985
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
172
hinterland and costal area and on ecological degradation. The large-scale land
acquisitions by the developers lead to displacement of farmers and have serious
implications for food security.30 The developer’s for real estate is directed to take
advantage to tax concessions which ultimately result in to revenue loss. The change in
land acquisition leads to uneven growth aggravating regional inequalities and
environmental sustainability.31
A large majority of those who are displaced due to land acquisition are unable to find
equivalent livelihood or other means of survival. Families are divided and large
numbers are reduced to penury.
Table-4.7: SEZs Benefited and Raised Socio-Economic Status of Local Peoples.
Yakubpur Shahberi Sector-80 Bhagel Nagla Charanda
Strongly Disagree 14.29 20 42.11 13.21
Disagree 21.43 13.33 15.79 23.58
Neither agree nor
Disagree28.57 40 13.33 15.79 33.02
Agree 35.71 30 13.33 21.05 11.32
Strongly agree 0 30 33.33 5.26 18.87
In the above Table-4.7: it indicates the five villages’ socio-economic status. Briefly these villages show
that if the SEZ raised the socio- economic status asked by researcher with the help of questionnaire.
30 Bajaj. Rahul, “SEZ are Turning into Land Scam” The Times of India, 4 May2007.31“Can India Revitalize its Special Economic Zones to Rival Those in China” Asia Pacific Bulletin
February. 2006.
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
173
Figure-4.9: Life Style of Local People
The above graphical representation highlights the percentage in negative view of the
Yakubpur, Shahberi, sector-80, Bhagel and Nagla Charanda village. The 42.11% of
residents of Nagla Charanda says that SEZ has not raised the socio-economic status of
the village. Only 5.6% were found to be in favour. The Shahberi villagers were
neither agree nor disagree against the response of Chhaprula. The other resident
members of the left villages were having a neutralized response against these couple
of villages.
4.6.1 Problem of Unemployment
The study area has been suffering from several problem of unemployment. The
policies of economic liberalization were supposed to create good job opportunities for
the local job seekers. In this area, growth rate of employment is lower than that GDP.
Local experts describe this phenomenon as “jobless growth”.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Yakubpur Shahberi Sector-80 Bhagel NaglaCharanda
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor Disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
174
Table-4.8: Employment Statistics in Four Selected Villages.
Have you main sources of income from SEZ
Village Yakubpur Shabari Akalpur Sector 80 Bhagel
Strongly Disagree 7.142857 0 10.53 28.30
Disagree 21.42857 50 20 21.05 36.79
Neither agree nor
Disagree7.142857 30 20 21.05 5.66
Agree 28.57143 20 33.33 26.32 16.98
Strongly agree 35.71429 20 26.67 21.05 12.26
Under the Directive Principle of State Policy enshrined in the Indian Constitution, the
subject of employment generation falls in the State list. State governments have direct
responsibility for providing jobs to the job seeking population. In case of SEZ it might
not be a good opportunity for the local people as the below graph shows its direction.
Significantly, the respondent of village of Shahberi disagree that SEZ are the main
source of employment.
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
175
Figure-4.10: Employment Statistics in Four Selected Villages.
A comparison of the figure above shows that current numbers of both villages. The
50% respondent of Shahberi village disagreed on the question of main source from
SEZ, but Yakubpur 35.71% people satisfied from the SEZ as a main source.
4.6.2 Change in Work Force
An attempt has been made in this section to examine the trends in unemployment
based on survey estimates. Data on main source of income by SEZ, enhancement of
livelihood, providing employment with the villages having sizeable employment in
SEZ are collected by the researcher reveals the following facts of Yakubpur
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
176
Table-4.9: Socio-Economic Impact of SEZ
The establishment ofSEZ has obstructed
on livelihood &agricultural land
(Shabari)
SEZ has providedemployment in
place ofacquisition of
land. (Akalpur)
villagers hassizably employedin SEZ (Bhagel)
Strongly
Disagree10 0 10.53
Disagree 20 33.33 21.05
Neither agree
nor Disagree10 20 21.05
Agree 50 20 26.32
Strongly agree 30 26.67 21.05
Figure-4.11: Main Source of Income, Obstructed On Livelihood, SEZ Has
Provided Employment and Villagers Has Sizably Employed In SEZ
The above circle graph show the disagree response of the Akalpur village that SEZ
not provide jobs for those land acquired for establishment.
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
177
4.7 Regional Sustainable Development
The protection of the environment and public health interests, as well as to stimulate
sound environmental behavior, balancing the socio-economic, environment, and
cultural systems in particular, is important when considering development
possibilities for future generations and strongly relates to the concept of “sustainable
development”.32
Table-4.10: District, Tehsil and Blocks of Gautama Buddha Nagar (GB Nagar)
Tahsils Blocks
Annual
Ground
Water
Recharge
(InHam)
Net Annual
Groundwater
Availability
(In Ham)
Existing
Gross
Groundwater
(InHam)
Ground
Water
Availability
For
Irrigation
(In Ham
State of
Ground
Water
Storage
( %)
Block
GB
NagarDankaur 17673.36 16789.69 9762.34 933.23
58.14Safe
Jewar Jewar 15509.17 14733.71 9248.54 5424.44 62.77 Safe
DadriBisrakh 9528.38 9051.96 6756.76 2079.39 74.64 Safe
Dadri 20355.50 19337.73 5024.83 14155.37 25.98 Safe
In the process of agricultural production, extensive use of resources and generation of
pollution, the negative impacts on the environment,33 and agricultural production
systems34 puts a question mark on SEZ. The problem of adverse use effects is often
not incorporated in the decision process and leads to imbalances between economic
and environmental systems. These imbalances can be intervened by the economic
system, regulations of ecological laws, rehabilitation of ground water in the economic
decision-making process. These interventions may take place at different spatial
scales at local and regional level seems of utmost necessity. The sustainability means
32 K R Gupta (Ed), (2008) SEZ issues, laws and procedures Vol .I, Atlantic Publisher& Distributor,2008, New Delhi.
33 S.Chatterjee, “The Economics of Special Economic Zones in India: Ground Realities and KeyConsiderations, Department of Business Economics” SSRN, Jan. 11, 2008.
34 “Environmental Matters” World Bank Report,1997
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
178
that the evolution and development of the future should be based on continuing and
recommendable processes and not on the exploitation and the exhaustion of the
principal or the capital of the living resource base.35 The population growth is a key
factor to be considered in the implementation of sustainable development, which can
only be pursued if population size and growth are in harmony with the changing
productive potential of the ecosystem.
The Table-4.11 indicates the sustainability in the area. There is air emission in the
local society. The villager suffers from the lack of fresh air and abundance of polluted
air.
The table -4.11: Depicts Four Villages View on the Increased Traffic in the Local
Area Due To the SEZ Activities.
SEZ has increased traffic in the local area and resulted in air emissions.
Option of Questions Yakubpur Shabari Akalpur Sector 80
Strongly Disagree 14.28 0 10 26.67
Disagree 21.428 28.57 20 20
Neither agree nor
disagree21.42 28.57 20 6.67
Agree 14.28 7.14 10 20
Strongly agree 28.57 35.71 40 26.67
The table 4.12 the environmental degradation from the local traffic, local people’s
awareness of environment and represents the percentage of the responses of the
selected Households
35 Development (UNCED, 1992) and the resulting Agenda 21
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
179
Figure-4.12: Air Emission in the Area
Source: Survey conducted by the researcher)
.Figure-4.13: Air Emission Near Four Villages
14.28
35.71
40
26.67
21.428
28.5730
2021.42
28.57
20
26.67
14.28
7.1410
20
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
1 2 3 4
Air Emission in Area
Village 1
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor Disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
180
The above graph shows the air emission percentage in the research area.
The goal of sustainable development protects biological productivity and maintenance
of genetic diversity. From the economic point of view, the satisfaction of the basic
needs such as poverty, equity enhancement and utility services should be promoted.
The social system which ensures cultural diversity, institutional sustainability, social
justice, and participation is also encompassed in sustainability paradigm.
4.7.1: Social Security
Liberalizing of labour laws under SEZ Act would adversely impact the social security
and livelihoods of this large labour force. This would only worsen the condition of
labour in our country. SEZs are killing one type of livelihood for another type of
livelihood. It is turning the farmland into labourers in a SEZ.
Table-4.12: Socio-Environment Position of the Area
Main sourceof Income
Decrease inLive stocks
Wildlifedecreased
Strongly Disagree 7.142857 28.57143 35.71429Disagree 21.42857 35.71429 35.71429
Neither agree nor Disagree 28.57143 14.28571 28.57143
Agree 7.142857 28.57143Strongly agree 35.71429
Figure-4.14: Socio-Environment Satisfaction of the Local Inhabitant of the StudyArea
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
StronglyDisagree
Disagree Neitheragree norDisagree
Agree Stronglyagree
Main source of Income
Decrease in Live stocks
Wildlife decresed
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
181
The above graph depicts the socio-environment aspect of the locality of the selected
villages. The ration of income from SEZ increased, but environmental responses
strongly dissatisfied.
4.7.2 Resource Utilization
The sustainability also entails resource utilization in proper form. The experiences
illustrated that the benefits accruing from SEZs are often short-lived on free market
and liberalization policies as well privatization. Almost all India’s states have offered
lucrative packages to investors for FDI in SEZs. The investors are also allowed to
repatriate their profit freely. The experiences show that all these relaxations lead to
loss of revenues for these states and do not contribute to the long-term economic
development and self-reliance of the nation. A report by the United Nations
Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) confirmed that the replacement
of state interventionist policies by market-led development policies have failed to
yield all-round development for poor countries.36 Policies based on downsizing the
public sector often undermined growth and hampered technological progress.37
SEZs baffle the country’s statistic and metric by short-term spurts but just like
administering steroids it kills slowly the country in any middle to long-term tenure. It
is a capital de-formation on a longer tenure and seems a bad proposition!
At present, the deterioration of both the natural resources and environment generate
environmental pressure, overexploitation of fertile agricultural land,38 exhaustion of
renewable resources such as water, air and forests, and degradation of basic natural
resources. The dominant land utilization systems in India which limit agricultural
productivity and sustainability, calls for policy and institutional reforms overcome
present problems.39
36 S. Acharya, “Essays on Macroeconomic Policy and Growth in India”, Oxford University Press,India,(2006)
37 Bose 200638 E.B. Barbier, “The Concept of Economic Development”Environmental Conservation,
14(2)101(1987)39 G. H. Brundtland, Our Common Future, the World Commission on Environment and
Development, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 383 (1987)
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
182
Table-4.13: Land Use Externality: Type and Possible Measures
Land Use Externalities
Type Field Possible Measures
Economic Costs
Urban pattern anddensity
Average commuting distance
Density of population
Decrease in agricultural production
EnergyGasoline use per capita
Energy per passenger km
InfrastructureRoad density
Public utilities provision costs
Social CostsCommunitydisruption
Environmental externalities (e.g. noise)
Accessibility to facilities
Environmental CostsDamage to theecosystem
Land taken to the natural environment
Source: H.C. Honnappa & K.G. Ramakrishna, Southern Economist, (2009).
It is a well established fact that to determine the optimum size of farmland parcels
certain technical and economic criteria must be taken into account so that utilization
of modern farm machinery may be possible. The central Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
and even the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned the Indian government that
tax benefits accorded to industries operating in SEZs would lead to massive resources
crunch and degradation. Thus, if the numbers of SEZs continue to grow, the nation-
state will be losing more potential income and many industries would shift from non-
SEZs to SEZs in order to avoid paying taxes.40 In the neo-liberalism regime, the soft
targets of these reductions are often the social sectors. This will result in the
worsening of the economic conditions of the poor, and would weaken the economic
future of the country in the long-run. In Bhatta Parsol the farmers were protesting on
the land acquisition incident which is living example of politics, law and order in the
U.P. To silence the agitation the UPA government promised to introduce a new Land
acquisition Bill or bring amendment in the Act having provisions for better
compensation and rehabilitation measures.
40 Supra note,33
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
183
4.7.3 Bhatta and Parsoul Villages
The researcher survey Bhatta & Parsoul villages in Greater Noida on May 19,2011 to
study the unfortunate turn of events on May 7 that led to the deaths of two farmers
(one from each village) and 2 constables of the PAC.
The actual problem of the land acquired by the Mayawati Government lies in the fact
that the land has been acquired at much lower rates and the farmers have not been
properly compensated. This is due to the fact of not having a proper Land acquisition
Act in the constitution.
Main Problem: The land acquired was at very low rates and sold to the government.
The government then sold these acquired land to corporate for development projects
like Yamuna Expressway. These were given at very high rates as compared to the
farmer’s rate. This further led to the corporate houses using these plots of land and
selling them at even higher prices. This entire problem was just because the farmer’s
been not given the market price of the land and had not been properly compensated.
This resulted in the farmer’s agitation and various protests spread all over the region
near Noida and Greater Noida.
Figure-4.15: Side Map & Photos of Disputed Place of Bhatta Parsoul Village
Researcher met several victims of violence, interacted with the men and women and
sees the loss of property of the area.
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
184
Findings are as follows:
Agitation Against Inadequate Compensation: The farmers of these have been on a
prolonged agitation demanding better compensation for their land. The agitators
include both those whose lands have been acquired as well as those whose lands are
set to be acquired in the coming days. While some farmers have received part or full
payment for their land, researcher met no one who was satisfied with the
compensation. Most wanted an arrangement wherein they could have a stake in the
escalating land value. The farmers were demanding a transparent declaration of land
use by the government since many felt betrayed that the land that was ostensibly
acquired for industrial purposes was now in the hands of real estate developers.
Plight of Families of Killed Farmers: Researcher met Shmt. Omwati, widow of Shri
Rajpal, from Bhatta village, who was killed on the 7th. He is survived by three school
going sons and a married daughter. The family is living in debt incurred during the
daughter’s marriage. Shmt. Omwati complained that the administration did not allow
the family to bring back his body to the village and her son was compelled to perform
the last rites away from his family and home. Shri. Rajbeer from Parsoul village was
also killed on the same day in Police firing but we could not reach his family.
Villagers Shot or Injured: We met Shmt. Raghubir Udayveer whose son Daljeet is
injured and hospitalized. Senior citizen Narender Singh was shot in his right leg on
the 7th but was finding himself at a loss to return to the hospital for treatment in the
absence of male members in the village to escort him. 85 years old Tej Singh Sarma
was beaten with rifle butts, his 15 year old grandson was arrested and beaten up in
police custody for 3 days. School teacher Navratan Sharma’s leg was fractured. Brick
worker Prempal, son of Lakkhi Chandan suffered a broken shoulder but no medical
aid has reached him. School teacher Navratan Sharma’s leg was fractured. The son
and daughter-in-law of Shmt. Nirmala were hospitalized with bullet injuries. 70 years
old Kela Devi’s grandson Kapil was in hospital with bullet injuries. Bhirender Singh,
son of Ikram Singh suffered multiple fractures in his hands and legs. Both the legs and
one hand of schoolteacher Bijender were broken. Suresh, a medical shop owner,
suffered from broken fingers and rib. Praveen was injured on his head and suffered a
cut wound in his stomach.
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
185
Damage to Pproperty: The Police inevitably damaged all modes of travel like
motorcycles and cars during these raids. Even tractors and wooden carts were not
spared. We found broken doors and broken household goods in many homes. The
shop of Vinod Sharma was looted and his car damaged. Money was snatched from
Shmt. Kanta Devi. Ranbeera and her mentally challenged son were beaten and the car
and motorcycle in their home damaged. The household furniture and small shop of 55
years old widow Shmt. Munni was damaged. The hay stacks in Mukut Lal’s house
were set on fire. The car, tractor and water pump of Shmt. Durga Sharma was
damaged. 20 sacks of wheat were also destroyed. 2 motorcycles, 1 TV, 1 fridge, 1
cooler, 1 inverter, 1 Dish, and furniture were damaged in the home of Shmt.
Dayawati. The motorcycle in the house of Shmt. Anita Choudhary was damaged. 2
motorcycles in the house of Shri Bhopal were damaged and an attempt was made to
set them on fire. The motorcycle in the house of deceased farmer Late Shri Rajpal was
damaged.
Thus, adequate compensation must be paid to the villagers for loss of life and
property. While the law must take its own course in the case of all killed, including
the 2 PAC constables, the effort to take revenge upon all villagers must be discarded
without delay. The investigation must keep in view the entire context of
administrative high handedness.
4.7.4 Food Security of Area
The food gap of the poor is more a question of distribution and is not insurmountable.
The food inflation would affect the nutritional well-being of the population. Both
cereal price and non-food cereal price are negatively associated with the consumption
of food and calories. It is needless to say that from nutritional welfare perspective,
price stability of non-cereal food is as important as that of cereals. With economic
growth and urbanization, the supply source of calories is likely to diversify and non-
cereal food may emerge as a major source of supply.41 India’s record in reducing
malnutrition is disappointing. Nearly 40% of the malnourished children of the world
are in India, although India’s share in the world population is less than 20%.
41 Hiremath B. N., K. V. Raju & Anil Patel (2004). "Farmers' Technology Adoption, FarmManagement and Livelihood System Gujarat". In “In Search of Sustainable Livelihoods:Managing Resources and Change”, Ruedi Baumgartnet & Ruedi Hogger (Editors), pp.94-125,Sage Publications, New Delhi. Hogger, Ruedi (2004)
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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Table-4.14: Food Security Status of Gautama Buddha Nagar
Sub District Dadri
Gautama
Buddha
Nagar
JewarArea
(Sq.Km)14,442.00
Population 692259 259445 250326 Population 1,202,030
UrbanPop.(%) 53.9 7.5 22.7Number of
Tahsils03
Litracy
Rates.(%)73.9 63.2 59.7
Number of
Vikas Khand04
Work
Participation
(%)
31.1 29.8 28.3Number of
Towns09
Main workers
(%)27.6 23.7 22.5
Number of
Villages422
Food Grains Thousand Metric ton 355
Sugar Cane Thousand Metric ton 253
Tilhan Thousand Metric ton 2
Potato Thousand Metric ton 7
(Source: District Statistical Handbook, 2000-01, http://gbnagar.nic.in)
Along with improving their diet, it is necessary to improve the health and educational
status of mothers. India has put in place a number of nutrition intervention
programmes to reduce the incidence of malnutrition but their impact so far seems to
be marginal.42 They need to be scaled up and their governance requires substantial
improvement. What is more, it needs to be recognized that for eradication of
malnutrition one has to go beyond meeting the calorie gap and ensure the provision of
safe drinking water,43 health care facilities and proper environmental hygiene.
42 Region: A Study of NOIDA City, India43 Majumdar, I., (2001). ‘SEZs and Their Workers in India: A Study of the Noida Processing Zone’,
in A.S. Oberoi, A. Sivananthiran and C.S.Venkata Ratnam, et al. (ed.) LaborIssues in ExportProcessing Zones : Role of Social Dialogue, South Asian Multidisciplinary Team and IndianIndustrial Relations Association, ILO, New Delhi.
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
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Table-4.15: Food Security is Under Danger Circumstances Due to Establishment
of SEZ
Village name Yakubpur Nagla Charanda Sector-80
Strongly Disagree 21.42857 15.06849 26.31579
Disagree 0 16.43836 10.52632
Neither agree nor Disagree 42.85714 6.849315 10.52632
Agree 14.28571 27.39726 10.52632
Strongly agree 21.42857 34.24658 42.10526
Figure-4.16: Food Security Under Danger Position
The above representation shows area’s reflection on the food security concept. Most
of the people responses for neutral, second highest strongly satisfied that food security
in danger. Industrialization increased the goods and luxurious article and decrees the
food and eatable items.
4.8: Trade and Industry in NSEZ
The national capital of India i.e. Delhi being the nerve center of the country has
emerged as an important international business center. It has the largest cluster of SSI
units (.126 million units) and is a major distributive center for the trade and commerce
for the entire northern region. The place is home to large number of centers of
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
StronglyDisagree
Disagree Neitheragree norDisagree
Agree Stronglyagree
Yakubpur
Nagla Charanda
Sector 80
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
188
excellence in science and technology and is an important hub for national telecom
network. It is the most well connected city in the country through surface and air. It is
the first choice for setting up of representative offices of international and national
companies and corporate houses seeking foothold in the country. Delhi has more than
35% of catchment population and 53% of its NDP. The 100 kms radius of U.P sub
region has more than 320 large scale industries and about 9500 SSI units employing
0.44 million workers. These industries are mainly concentrated in Noida, Ghaziabad,
Greater Noida and Sikandrabad towns etc. Besides a number of industrial areas and
activities have been taken up for dev. by the UPSIDC like Tronica city, Integrated
agro parks, apparels parks Massori- Gulaothi and Khurja growth centers, export
promotion industrial park at Surajpur and development of 4 industrial corridors within
the catchments of 300 kms of the SEZ Noida.
The state of Uttar Pradesh is the home of not only the traditional industries for which
India is known like brass ware, carpets, perfumes, silk, handlooms and handicraft but
also the modern industries like electronics, automobiles etc. In software UP is the
second largest exporter in the country after Bangalore, exporting software worth 45
billion through 670 companies in 1999-2000. Noida area has developed as a hub of
one activity in the country accounting for bulk of software export from UP. The state
currently has 1942 medium and large size units with investment of around Rs 282
billion. The sub region is one of the most fertile and productive agriculture region in
the whole of UP and has vast potential for food processing industry product exports.
The entire belt near NSEZ is considered to be highly export intensive. The total
exports from the 100 kms radius is estimated close to Rs 153 billion (9% of the
country's export) and approx. Rs 235 billion (14.5% of the country's exports within
300 kms radius). Delhi itself is a major contributor accounting for 59% of the total
exports followed by UP sub region accounting for 29% of the total exports. The main
sectors of the exports are handicraft, carpets, leather, brass ware, Potteries,
agricultural products, ready-made garments, electronic goods, engineering, goods
jewellery, diamonds, drugs/ pharmaceuticals, instruments, transportation equipment,
software and handloom products. More than 40% of the products exported by value in
the region are of air worthy. Imports also constitute a sizable volume. It is estimated
Chapter-IV: SEZ in Uttar Pradesh: A Case Study of Noida
189
that almost similar value products are imported. The main airworthy imports are gold
and silver, electronic goods, professional instruments and transport equipment etc.44
The region is well endowed in all social infrastructures like education, medical, water
supply, Post and Telegraph, communication and road connectivity etc. The region
receives power from the integrated grid of UP power systems and the northern
regional grid. The current power supply is much less than the demand in the region.
Towns and industrial areas of Ghaziabad and Noida have been getting preferential
treatment in respect of power supply.
4.9 Conclusion and Recommendations
In India, agriculture is the single largest source of employment to improve the
standard of living of the poor and to ensure all-round development. The states should
adopt policies which would strengthen the basis of agriculture and would reduce the
inherent structural inequality in agrarian society. The adoption of an apparently easy
path to economic growth, i.e. replacing agriculture with SEZs, is a path of self-
destruction which not only will weaken the agriculture but will also endanger the
sovereignty of the nation in the long run. At Dadri in UP, the Police resorted to firing
and lathi charge to remove anti-SEZ protestors from the land acquired by REGL.
The poor in India has begun to realize that rejecting SEZ will require a systematic
structural change and introduction of true democratic values and principles in
governance. The aspirations of the poor have been expressed in an alternative
development discourse, i.e. food sovereignty. The concept of food security rejects the
trickle-down argument infavour of SEZ-oriented development that is biased and
unjust. The principles of the right to food and the right to feed oneself, i.e. access to
and control over productive resources like land, water, forest, common property
resources, etc. Gender equity, sustainability and cultural diversity are key components
of this model. This concept rejects the attitude of ‘one size fits all’ as promoted by
neoliberalism and respects the diversity and the traditional wisdom of peasant
communities in India. But the SEZ Act provides single window clearance system,
especially violation of the Constitution and law of land. It is the duty of a state, to
ensure that human rights standards are implemented in SEZs. If the government fails,
44 SEZ Act, 2005; Ministry of Law and Justice, New Delhi, June 23, 2005.
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then the protection of human rights obligations also lie on all other countries to ensure
that their policies do not contribute to violations in other’s land. Thus against the
viability of establishing SEZs in terms of trade, revenue lost and unemployment, the
main issue of displacement of rural population is one of the major concerns in the
recent past. Large tracts of prime agricultural land measuring thousands of acres are
acquired from farmers for developing SEZs. These acquisitions have immense
implications on environment and natural resources of India, and rising unemployment
in rural areas and displaced livelihoods. There is need to have critical look on socio-
economic impacts of SEZ in the interest of sustainability and resource utilization in
Gautama Buddha Nagar.
Recommendations
The SEZ and district industrial area should be subjected to simple labour law
outlining social security payments with appropriate mechanism for compensation
payments in case of retrenchment/layoff.
Employments guarantee Schemes should be implemented for upliftment of
poverty line families. The government employment schemes should have the
objective of increasing the purchasing power of masses.
The government should reform the educational system also. Students must be
trained in such way that they should not wait for government to provide
employment. We need to realize that there must be active involvement of SEZ in
the task of curriculum design and management of these programmes. We need lot
of things to learn from China, where SEZ participates actively in apprentice
training programmes.
SEZ will not create employment for local population but will lead to distress
migration of locals since the jobs created will need education and skill levels
unreachable for most of the people.
The SEZ policy is part of a wider foreign trade strategy designed to encourage local
industries and create jobs. Both goals will find many supporters in India’s many
impoverished and under employment communities. SEZs have helped people in rural
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191
areas in increasing their income. They have generated a considerable investment now.
More than 32000 people are employed in the SEZ on a regular wages so far.45
Giving huge chunks of cultivable land for SEZs and other non agriculture projects
will have huge impact on the Nation’s food security. There should be a complete ban
on the use of irrigated double cropped for setting up SEZs. There were several crucial
factors related to agriculture, compensation, housing, administration, security and
trade that have totally been ignored, thus, the land taken from farmers should be on
lease so that they can continue to retain their ownership and get periodical payments
from developers instead of lump-sum payment.
45 A. Arunachalam. Special Economic Zones and Employment in India, Principles, Problems andprospects (Serial Publications ,New Delhi, 2008)