Government approves 29 SEZs

The government cleared 29 special economic zones proposals, including 17 tax free enclaves for IT and ITeS.The BoA, chaired by Commerce Secretary Gopal K Pillai, granted formal nod to 23 proposals, besides giving in-principle approval to six proposals.Of the 29 proposals approved, 17 were for IT and ITeS sector in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Four IT and ITeS tax free zones proposed by Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure and two IT zones in Andhra Pradesh were given formal nod.A light engineering SEZ proposed by Deccan Infrastructure and Land Holding in Andhra Pradesh and a textile zone in Gujarat by Pradeep Overseas Ltd were also approved.Euro Multi Visions non-conventional energy SEZ in Gujarat got the formal approval.The airport SEZ in Tamil Nadu proposed by Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Ltd was given in-principle approval along with a multi-services SEZ in Maharashtra by Singrun Mega projects.Two IT SEZs by CBS International Projects and Golden Tower Infratech in Uttar Pradesh were also formally approved.
The government has so far given formal approval to 467 SEZs, of which 225 have been notified and are directly employing 97,993 people.