Cabinet approves setting up of knowledge-based SEZs

New Delhi, Feb 12 (UNI) The Delhi Cabinet today approved a policy for establishment of knowledge based Special Economic Zones and gave its nod for setting up of ten Common Special Courts exclusively for trial of economic offences.

It also gave its go-ahead for an ambitious programme under its Bhagidari initiative to provide at least one time food to poor in the capital city, said Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

She said the Cabinet also recommended summoning of Assembly's Budget Session from March 17 to April 4.

Giving details about the decisions taken, Ms Dikshit said a proposal for setting up knowledge based, pollution-free, IT-enabled services Special Economic Zones was approved.

Specific sectors of electronic hardware and software including information technology enabled services, Nano technology, bio-technology, gems and jewellery, non-conventional energy including solar energy, handicraft, fashion and garments (without dying) and higher technical educational institutes for providing world-class manpower could participate in this effort.

The zones to be located in Narela, Dwarka, Baprola, Najafgarh, Bakarwala, Ghoga on uncultivated/barren land, must confirm to the prescribed land use in the Master Plan of Delhi. IT-enabled services SEZ will not require environment clearance, she pointed out.

The Government would provide basic amenities such as sufficient water and power for the units in SEZ.

Ms Dikshit expressed confidence that Delhi would become a knowledge-hub and knowledge Capital of South Asia with coming up of SEZs in Delhi. The Union Government would be approached for issue of necessary notification in this regard.

She said the Cabinet also gave its nod to setting up of ten common Special Courts exclusively for trial of economic offences relating to Custom and Central Excise and sanctioned 101 posts in different categories. The new posts would entail annual financial implication of Rs 1.6 crores.

These courts are being set up as per directive of Union Ministry of Finance.

About the the 'Aap Ki Rasoi' programme to be implemented soon under Bhagidari initiative wherein Government, the Chief Minister said at least one-time nutritious food will be provided to street children, children of destitutes and beggars during lunch hours.

The Government would soon invite applications from individuals/organisations/NGOs that would bring cooked food and ensure distribution to children. The scheme would make available its night shelters for this purpose.

She said the Cabinet has recommended summoning of Budget Session of the Assembly from March 17 to April 4.

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