Wipro seeks govt nod to set up IT SEZ in Kolkata

Software major Wipro has sought the government's nod to set up an IT special economic zone (SEZ) in Kolkata.

The company's application will be considered by the inter-ministerial body, Board of Approval (BoA), headed by Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia, in its meeting on June 22.

Wipro has proposed to set up IT/ITeS (IT/Information technology-enabled service) SEZ over an area of 19.76 hectares in Kolkata, the Board's meeting agenda said.

"Development Commissioner of Falta Special Economic Zone has recommended for in-principal approval (of the proposal). State government's recommendation is awaited. The proposal of the developer is submitted for consideration of BoA," it added.

Real estate firm Embassy Property Developments has also sought approval to set up a similar zone in Karnataka.

The board would also take the case of Devbhumi Realtors Pvt Ltd, which wants to surrender its IT zone in Telangana.

Besides, nine SEZ developers and units, including Gulf Oil Corporation and Lanco Solar, have sought more time from the government for implementing their projects.

In the last three years till February, the BoA has granted more time to as many as 132 developers of SEZs across the country to complete projects.

SEZs are exports hubs which contribute about 23 per cent to the country's total outbound shipments.

The commerce ministry is taking steps to revive investors interest in these zones.

The Board deals with SEZ related matters.

Exports from SEZs have declined 1.89 per cent year-on-year to Rs 3.41 lakh crore in April-December of 2015-16.

Exports from such zones stood at Rs 4,63,770 crore in 2014-15 compared with Rs 4,94,077 crore in the previous fiscal.