Special Economic Zones

Only 154 SEZs are operational
Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma held that only one-fourth of 587 Special
Economic Zones (SEZs) approved by the government to boost exports have become
operational. The government had approved 587 SEZs, of which 380 have been notified. The
number of operational SEZs is 154 or 25.43% of the approved special zones.
As on December 31, 2011, an investment of Rs 249,631 crore has been made in SEZs, generating direct employment
for over 8 lakh persons. Exports from SEZ increased 43.11% to Rs 315,868 crore in FY11. SEZs account for 25% of India’s
export earnings. India’s exports are likely to touch $300 billion this year as against $252 billion last year.
The fiscal concessions and duty benefits allowed to SEZs are inbuilt into the SEZ Act, 2005. These exemptions are in the
nature of incentives for export and investment.