'LDF never decided on legislation on SEZs'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Convener of the ruling LDF Vaikom Viswan on Monday refuted the front partner CPI's contention that the state committee of the coalition had decided on bringing a state-level legislation on SEZs.
   
The LDF's decision was to work out a policy framework based on which the pending SEZs proposals could be forwarded to the Centre and that was stated clearly during the media briefing after the last meeting of the liaison committee, Viswan said.
   
He was responding to queries on CPI state secretary Veliyam Bhargavan's contention that a state-level legislation was LDF's decision on the issue and the convener might have forgotten to state that during his briefing.
   
"As far as I know, I am not suffering from any memory loss.Moreover,it was you (media persons) who asked me about the issue then and I had clearly said a policy framework not a legislation was the LDF's position on it", he said.
   
Viswan said there was no change on that position and the cabinet was expected to take a decision on it accordingly.
   
CPI ministers had last week blocked a decision on SEZs demanding firm guarantees on issues like labour rights which could be assured only by a state legislation.
   
Asked about the reports to increase the price of milk supplied by dairy co-operative Milma, he said the LDF did not discuss the issue at Monday's meeting.