Parliament has announced that, a total of 36 special economic zones (SEZs) are operational in Tamil Nadu, followed by Telangana and Karnataka. In Telangana and Karnataka, 26 SEZs in each state are operational. As of now a total of 204 SEZs are exporting. As on June 30, a total of 15,04,597 persons have been provided employments in SEZs. The government has approved 19 proposals for setting up of new zones in 10 states, including Andhra Pradesh (1),Maharashtra (4) and Uttar Pradesh (2) during the last three years and current fiscal till November 30.

Did You Know???

• SEZs are major export hubs of the country. It contributes about 25 per cent in the country’s total exports.
• India was one of the first countries in Asia to recognize the effectiveness of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) model in promoting exports, with Asia’s first EPZ set up in Kandla in 1965.
• The Special Economic Zones Act was passed by the Government of India in May 2005, it received Presidential assent on the 23rd of June, 2005.

What are the Objectives of SEZs?

• Generation of additional economic activity.
• Promotion of exports of goods and services.
• Promotion of investment from domestic and foreign sources.
• Creation of employment opportunities.
• Development of infrastructure facilities.