Replying to a question from CPM’s Pradip Ta, Sen said the state had told the Centre that it will not follow the SEZ Act in toto. The SEZs are supposed to be exempt from many of the country’s labour laws.

“Just as we have our position on labour laws, we also have our differences on land use,” Sen said.

“We have said that 50 per cent should be set aside for industry, 25 per cent for infrastructure development and the rest for commercial uses,” Sen said, reiterating the government's position.

“Although the Centre has not accepted this, we are making our position clear to those who are coming to us with proposals for SEZs,” Sen said.

Regarding compensation packages for those who lost their land, Sen said the government will go beyond law to look after the affected people, especially the recorded and unrecorded sharecroppers.

So far, 20 SEZs have been cleared in principle, while another 17 have been sanctioned for the state.

“The total volume of investment (in the SEZs) will add up to Rs 2,28,039 crore,” he said.

On the overall industrial scene, the minister said the government expects 6,42,420 new jobs.

Congress legislator Sudip Bandopadhyay asked if it will be possible to assure a job for one member of each family that has to sell its land.

Sen said he was of the opinion that it should be possible for industry to make provision for such jobs. But, he noted, the offer of jobs will also depend on the suitability and skills of the person to be employed.