The Hindu Business Line : Controversy over SEZs to end in a year, says Pillai

The Union Commerce Secretary, Mr G.K. Pillai, sounded optimistic that the controversies surrounding the Special Economic Zones (SEZs), would disappear in a year’s time.

The SEZ Act would undergo relevant changes whenever and wherever necessary so that these growth areas make the much needed impact, he told a meeting of developers, Government officials and corporates here today.

“We have been able to notify 200 out of the total 439 SEZs identified.

“They will see a total investment of about Rs 67,000 crore,” Mr Pillai said.

Stating that over one lakh jobs have been created in the SEZs since 2005, Mr Pillai claimed that in the last two years there was not a single case of mis-utilisation of land allocated in the SEZs.

Studies on impact

However, to find out the impact on farmers and on the lives of those staying around the SEZs, due to both the land acquisition and development, the Commerce & Industry Ministry has decided to undertake extensive studies. Several institutes would be involved in these studies.

The Ministry is also in talks with the Reserve Bank of India to get the latter’s circular amended so that the developers of SEZ benefit. Similarly, several issues and suggestions that are coming from the developers and State governments are being discussed for suitable action, Mr Pillai said.

Captive power plants

On the issue of pricing and distribution of power that is generated in captive power plants in SEZs, the Secretary said a meeting has been slated in New Delhi at the end of February to get some clarity.

Earlier, presentations on the progress of SEZs — Brandix Apparel Park in Vizag, Gems and Jewellery Park in Hyderabad, Raheja SEZs, Sri City and Ramky Pharmacity were made by the respective representatives.

The Managing Director of Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC), Mr B.P. Acharya, made a detailed presentation on SEZs in AP.

He said so far a total of 53 SEZs have been notified and employment to around 15,000 already generated.

The initial work in 38 SEZs has been started.

A total of 7,253 hectares has been acquired and they are well spread over both geographically and in disciplines from IT, ITES, pharma, apparel, gems and so on, he said.

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