NEW DELHI: Japanese entrepreneurs who see a potential of investing up to two billion dollars in the liberalized Indian economy will be allowed to setup townships in India where they can live and work in an environment they prefer.

Similarly non-resident Indians could come and establish industrial areas on the pattern of the Silicon Valley in the United States which has grown into a technological haven.

Investing heavily the Japanese has established such townships in some South East Asian countries. The townships include Japanese schools golf courses restaurants and work culture which they are accustomed to.

Outlining these concepts Manmohan Singh said in an interview the proposals to set up townships for the Japanese was being seriously considered and feasibility studies would have to be undertaken.

Asked-if any firm investment proposal as have come from the Japanese Singh who had discussions with a high level Japanese delegation a few days ago said “in principle it has been accepted. They are talking of two billion dollars. But these are not commitments”

Pointing out that it was all hard money the finance minister said “certainly sentiments can change. Don’t count the chickens before they are hatched.”

The finance minister said the Japanese proposal was a serious one and several places were being explored.

We have to do a feasibility study. We are asking the Japanese to help us if they want to do it’ he said.

Asked what his expectations of NRI are investments the finance minister said I am starting from Zero So how do know? It is only one sided. India’s needs are very large. India’s capacity to absorb is very large. So what the other side can do I really do not know”

He said so far he has no authoritative feedback on it.

On a question if there was any plan for setting up a separate township or any fresh facility for NRIS the finance minister said ‘if some NRI groups want it we can do it for them.

ISLAMABAD PAKISTAN: The Senate Saturday passed a constitutional amendment allowing the govt to suspend the Supreme Court and establish special courts in “terrorist affected areas”.

The government wants to deal with terrorists and miscreants with an iron hand and to ensure provision of quick justice to the people” Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan.

The passage followed its approval Thursday in the National Assembly the powerful lower house of Parliament During that session outraged opposition lawmakers stormed out criticizing the govt for banning debate and steamrolling the amendment through the Lower House.

The amendment allows the govt to suspend the Supreme Court and establish special courts in areas of the country designated as “terrorist effected areas”. It allows only one appeal.

Mass murders abductions and near anarchy in the thickly forested southern Sindh province were given as reasons for the constitutional amendment. Kidnappings for-ransom are an almost daily occurrence in the province where bandits roam with near impunity.

Article extracted from this publication >> August 2, 1991