Govt approves 6 new SEZ proposals

The government today approved six proposals for setting up of special economic zones (SEZs), including that of gems and jewellery SEZ by Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation.

The Board of Approval (BoA) in the Commerce Ministry also gave in-principle approval (without the required land) to two proposals, including that of Sterlite Industries (India) for copper SEZ in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, an official statement said.

In total, 10 new SEZ proposals were considered by the BoA, which met here today.

The BoA gave its nod to two proposals of Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation. The corporation had requested for an IT SEZ and gems and jewellery SEZ at Baprola in New Delhi.

Lanco Solar got approval for solar tax-free enclave, which would be set up in Cuttak, Orissa.

The government approves the IT/ITeS tax-free zone of Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society at Kozhikode, Kerala, and Empire Industries' SEZ at Thane, Maharashtra.

So far 570 formal approvals have been granted for setting up of SEZs, of which 346 have been notified, the statement said, adding that over Rs 1,30,341 crore have been invested in the SEZs.

During the first half of current financial year, export of Rs 89,750.75 crore has been made from SEZs.