No suggestion from WB on Wipro's Kolkata SEZ: Scindia

The West Bengal government is yet to submit its suggestions to the Centre on Wipro's proposal to set up special economic zone (SEZ) in Kolkata entailing an investment of Rs 325 crore, Parliament was informed today.

"Wipro has submitted an application dated January 20 for setting up of a sector specific SEZ for IT/ITeS over an area of 20.24 hectares at Rajarhat in Kolkata," Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jyotiraditya Scindia said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

"However, the state government recommendation related to the proposal has not been received as yet," he added.

The SEZ has proposed to employ about 8,000 people, he said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has already ruled out giving SEZ status to IT major Infosys, citing the state government's policy decision of not going in for SEZs.

The chief minister has said that the state government was committed to protecting the right of farmers and farmland would not be forcibly acquired.

The chief minister said that the government would not relax the urban ceiling laws.

Exports from SEZs grew by 23% to Rs 72,255 crore during the first quarter of 2011-12.