Thiruvananthapuram, Tuesday, October 07, 2008: The Rs 15 billion ($350 million) Smart City project, being worked jointly by the Kerala government and Dubai Internet City (DIC), will not come under the SEZ policies informed Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan.

Speaking to reporters after weekly cabinet meeting Chief Minister said the new SEZ guidelines will not be applicable for Smart City. Instead, the rules and guidelines laid down in the agreement between DIC and the state government will be followed.

Chief Minister underlined that there is no confusion existing now on this matter.

The Cabinet also decided to form a committee presided by Chief Secretary to resolve the disputes persisting regarding the Vizhinjam land acquisition.

The cabinet has also decided to set up two committees to oversee the implementation of Rs.18.4-billion ($409-million) Kuttanad package“This committee would be chaired by the chief minister, and would include state cabinet ministers, law makers from the area and officials,” said Achuthanandan.

The other committee will be headed by the chief secretary and will include top state government officials, he added.