Government would spare no efforts to take stringent action against those indulging in hoarding and smuggling of rice particularly meant for public distribution system, Chief Minister N.Rangasamy said today.

Replying to AIADMK members A. Anbalagan and L Periyasamy during Question Time, he said the government would never back such economic offences and would come cracking on the offenders.

To another question, Agriculture Minister M.Chandirakasu told Anbalagan that 68 hectares had been acquired for Special Economic zone in Karasur and Sedarapet, but the Centre had asked the government to keep on hold the project.

Intervening, Rangasamy said the pathway for the irrigation channel had been cited as reason for the Centre's communication to Puducherry government to keep the SEZ in abeyance.

He disapproved of the suggestion of Anbalagan that the acquired land should be returned to farmers as the purpose for which the land was taken over could not be achieved.

"We have acquired the land and paid compensation to farmers and hence the question of returning the land to the ryots does not arise," he said.