Government approves 8 more SEZs; gives in-principle nod for two

The Board of Approval of the ministry of commerce and industry has granted approval to eight special economic zones (SEZs) at its meeting today. The BoA also granted in-principle approval to two other SEZ proposals.

The BoA considered a total of 18 proposals for setting up special economic zones at the meeting. The board recommended grant of formal approvals to eight and in-principle approval to two others.

Formal approvals were granted to three biotech SEZs - one each in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra; three IT/ITeS SEZs in Kerala and one each in Karnataka and Maharashtra.

In-principle approvals were granted to: a multi product SEZ in Andhra Pradesh and a multi services SEZ in Maharashtra.  The BoA also approved four proposals for grant of co-developer status.

Formal approval was given to Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd for setting up IT/ITES/BPO/Electronic Hardware SEZs at Kattigenahalli and Venkatala villages in Yelahanka Hobli, Bangalore.

Gopalan Enterprises India Pvt Ltd has been allowed to set up biotech SEZ at Kundalahalli and Nallurahalli villages KR Puram Hobli, Bangalore.
 
Real Griha Nirman Pvt Ltd has been granted permission to set up a biotech SEZ at Hindupur, in Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh.

MM Tech Towers has been allowed to set up an ITES SEZ at  Chengamanadu village in Alwaye, Kerala. Emaar MGF Land Ltd will also set up an IT-related SEZ at Chengamanadu.

Yashprabha Enterprises has been granted permission to set up a  biotechnology SEZ at AP Pathardi in Chiplun, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra.

Larsen & Toubro Ltd will set up an IT/ITES SEZ at Powai in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Sutherland Global Services Private Limited will set up an IT/ITES SEZ at  Kalamassery in Kochi, Kerala.

Those received in-principle approval are: Krishnapatnam Infratech Private limited's multi-product SEZ at Chillakur and Kota Mandal in Andhra Pradesh and Maharaja Multitrade Pvt Ltd's multi-service SEZ at Taloshi, in Igatpuri, Nashik district, Maharashtra.

The Board of Approval has so far given formal approval to 568 special economic zones, out of which 315 have been notified, chairman of the board said.

He said the special economic zones have attracted investments of over Rs1,08,903 crore during the short span of time and has provided direct employment to about 3,87,439 persons.

SEZs have made export of a total Rs99,689 crore during the financial year 2008-09, a growth of about 50 per cent over the exports made during the year 2007-08.