To draw attention to Rajasthan government's indifference in setting up the Apparel Park at Jagatpura in the state,the applicants of the project have decided to stage a protest during global textile event Vastra-2012,slated to take place in the city of Jaipur from November 22-25,2012.The project was launched way back in 2003 when state PSU-Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation(RIICO)-invited expression of interest for establishing garment production units in the proposed park.Adhering to the call,133 applicants applied for the same,but setting up of the park has been delayed inordinately since then causing great sufferance to the applicants.
Almost nine years have passed since announcement of the project,but the government seems to be in no mood to fulfil its commitment,according to the applicants.In a statement,Mr.Pradeep Chhugani,an applicant at the apparel park,said every time they approach the government,it just acts to add to their plights by extending the dates.He said that during the time of launch of the project,the state PSU stated that they are in possession of the land,and fixed up a price of Rs.500 per sq m.
Moved by the inordinate delay,they had decided to launch a protest during Pravasi Bharatiya Divas,which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in January this year,but the state's Industries Minister Rajendra Pareek convinced them to drop the idea,and assured that the matter would be sorted out.
Giving up to the Minister's request,they then cancelled the protest.However,later on,when they met the Minister,he said the applicants would have to pay Rs.2,500 per sq m instead of the upwardly revised rate of Rs.1,000 per sq m.
Mr.Chhugani said that till date there has been no follow up in this matter,which has compelled them to launch the protest.
He,however,added that the protest would be peaceful and it is only meant to highlight their plight and the government's apathy before the people and the delegates visiting Vastra-2012 event.
