September 07, 2008

Centre clears 20 SEZs in West Bengal

Mr Nirupam Sen commerce & industry minister of West Bengal told the state assembly that centre had cleared 20 special economic zones in the state and also agreed in principle to give the go ahead to 17 other SEZs.

Mr Sen added that during the current fiscal, union government had given the green signal to 86 other industrial projects with an investment of INR 2,28,039 crore.

He said 50% of the total land area in a particular SEZ would be used for processing units and 25% for creating related infrastructure facilities. The balance 25% would be used for other purposes. He informed that the state government would not follow any model rehabilitation package while acquiring land for various industrial projects.

He further added that "We will try our best to compensate and rehabilitate those whose lands would be acquired for any project. Attempts will also be made to ensure jobs for at least one person from each family, whose land would be taken over by our government."