Govt approves 23 SEZs proposals

New Delhi, Jun 4 (UNI) The government today approved 23 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) proposals including the states of Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Haryana.

In the Board of Approval (BoA) meeting, 27 proposals for setting up of SEZs, including four proposals for conversion of in-principle approval to formal approval were considered, said an official statement here.

The Board also recommended grant of 21 formal approvals and two conversion of in-principle approval to formal approval.

Formal approvals include six IT/ITES, four Sector Specific, two FTWZs and one Gems and Jewellery SEZ in Andhra Pradesh by Deccan Infrastructure and Land Holdings Ltd.

So far, the government has given formal approvals for setting up of 467 SEZs out of which 225 have been notified as on date.

The newly notified Special Economic Zones are providing direct employment to about 97,993 persons.

Out of the total employment provided to 3.36 lakh people in SEZs as a whole, 2.01 lakh is incremental employment generated after February, 2006 when the SEZ Act came into force, the statement said.

UNI MP/SR AM RAI2124