Question : SEZ PROPOSALS

(a) the details regarding the already approved and operationalised Special Economic Zone (SEZ) projects, sectorwise and State-wise in the country after the enactment of the SEZ Act, 2005;

(b) the details regarding the land acquired for SEZs and the compensation paid to the landowners, State-wise;

(c) the steps being taken by the Government to make the approved projects functional in a time bound manner;

(d) whether any study has been conducted to assess the problems being faced by the affected farmers by these projects; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto?

MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI ANAND SHARMA)

a) to e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 48 FOR ANSWER ON 23RD NOVEMBER 2009 REGARDING “SEZ PROPOSALS”

(a): In addition to seven Central Government Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and 12 State/Private Sector SEZs set up prior to the enactment of SEZ Act, 2005, formal approval has been accorded to 570 proposals out of which 343 SEZs have been notified. A total of 101 SEZs have commenced export. Information regarding state-wise and sector-wise distribution of SEZs, in tabular form is placed at Annexure 1(A) and Annexure 1(B).

(b): Land is a State subject. Land for SEZs is procured as per the policy and procedures of the respective State Governments. As per the current policy, the Board of Approval does not approve any SEZs, where the State Governments have carried out or propose to carry out compulsory acquisition of land for such SEZs after 5th April, 2007. The total land involved for 343 notified SEZs is 41,056 hectares.

(c): The Letter of Approval issued to the Developer is valid for a period of three years within which time the developer shall implement the project. Further, setting up of Single Window Clearance Mechanism, fiscal benefits and duty concessions, continuous monitoring of SEZs by the Development Commissioners and Approval Committee, simplification of rules and procedures are some of the steps taken to ensure expeditious operationalisation of projects in SEZs.

(d) and (e): The studies commissioned by the Department of Commerce have indicated that the new generation SEZs could create local area impact in terms of direct employment, emergence of new activities, changes in consumption pattern and social life, human development facilities (such as for education, healthcare) etc. The SEZ policy provides fiscal incentives to developers for infrastructure viz. power, water, roads and other social infrastructure.