SEZ proposals do not fit in with government policy: Bratya Basu

He said that the state IT policy had been framed keeping all the companies in mind and not for an individual one

West Bengal IT Minister Bratya Basu on Thursday said that the SEZ proposals received from some IT companies are not in line with the state government's overall policy for the tax-free zones.

Replying to a query during the question hour in the assembly here on Thursday, Basu said that the state IT policy had been framed keeping all the companies in mind and not for an individual one.

When Congress MLA Asit Mitra raised the issue that one IT major, Infosys was holding back investment and subsequently employment as the government was not keen on giving the SEZ status, Basu said that the government was open to all companies willing to come to the state.

Infosys, which received 50-acre plot at Rajarhat from the state government for setting up its first facility in Bengal, is seeking SEZ status to the proposed facility.

Basu said that these companies could avail of various benefits which the state was offering and many such entities were already working here.

Referring to Infosys, he said that he was willing to talk to them, if required.

Basu said the IT department does not decide on SEZ.

In the last two years, he said 17,000 jobs had been created in the IT sector. IT investment during 2013-14 was Rs 1,265 crore, in 2014-15 it was Rs 749 crore and Rs 2269 crore was in the last fiscal.

He told the assembly that seven IT parks were being planned. The Taratolla IT park is ready and the Chief Minister will inaugurate it shortly.