Maharashtra shows exit route to SEZ developers

Govt has come up with a scheme to convert denotified SEZ into integrated industrial clusters under Maharastra Industrial Development Corporation

The new state industrial policy 2013-2108 has come up with exit route for special economic zone developers in the and at the same time evolve new strategy to tackle land availability for industrial purposes.

In order to solve the problem of availability of land, the state government has come up with a scheme to convert denotified SEZ into integrated industrial clusters under Maharastra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). Officials said this is an exit scheme for the SEZ developers who want to quit.

At the same time, the policy has also come up with one time amnesty scheme for unviable and closed units which has been closed for year or declared insolvent

In such MIDC areas where land from denotified SEZ is acquired, 10% of area will be reserved for micro and small industries out of which five per cent will be allotted on priority basis to woman and SC/ST entreperenuers.

Further Bombay Tenancy and Agricultural Land Act 1948 will be suitably amended to reduce the period for acquisition of land for bonafide industrial use from 15 years to five years . Similarly, the minimum land area for bonafide industrial area will be revised to five hectares from 10 hectares.

In acquisition of such areas out of denotified SEZ for integrated industrial cluster, , the policy stated that minimum 60 per cent of such area will be used for industrial purpose while rest 40 per cent used for residential commercial activities. Out of 40 per cent area, further, one foruth area will be used for purely commercial purposes while rest for residential and non residential uses like colleges, health care, amenity space, public utilities, gardens, playgrounds etc.

Meanwhile, the amnesty scheme is valid for one year. Post change of management if such units running successfully . such units wil be offered complete waiver of interest and penalty provided principal amount is repaid in one instalment. The scheme will be applicable to all government dues and will be offered to semi government institutions , companies or bodies as well.