"The need for social infrastructure within the SEZs is crucial, since it otherwise puts a strain on infrastructure outside the zones, as is happening in Bangalore," Commerce Secretary G K Pillai said at the PHD Chamber seminar.     

All social infrastructure would be approved by the SEZ Board of Approval, he said. "Norms for various types of social infrastructure are being framed," Pillai added.     

While the minimum processing area in a zone has been increased to 50 per cent from 35 per cent, the need is being felt for creating adequate social infrastructure like housing for workers, hospitals, recreational facilities and schools within the SEZs.     

Pillai further said there is need to set up a representative body of workers living in a SEZ to take care of their civic concerns and rights.     

The government is looking into other issues like appointing officials to regulate work in the SEZs and tariff on sale of surplus power from the tax-free enclaves to the Domestic Tariff Area, he added.     

Pointing out that while all SEZs may not fructify and some churning may happen, Pillai said, "No denotification of SEZs was being thought of except in Goa and that too for political reasons."     

There is also provision in the SEZ Act for the government to take over management of the zone where the developer has defaulted in fulfilling the obligations, he said.     

Outlining the performance of these zones, he said exports are expected to double to Rs 135,000 crore by end of the current fiscal. In 2007-08, exports from SEZs stood at Rs 66,638 crore, a growth of 92 per cent over 2006-07.