B0A Gives Formal Approval To 10 Sezs

The Board of Approval on Sept 18, formally cleared 10 special economic zones (SEZs) of the 19 it took up at a meeting here. So far, 386 SEZs have been allotted formal approval, the last stage in the clearance process before an SEZ is notified. To date, 149 SEZs have been notified. Among the zones granted formal approval are Mukesh Ambani-promoted three information technology SEZs in Navi Mumbai and Adani group''s SEZ in Mundra. A Tata Consultancy Services SEZ in Gandhinagar has also been permitted formal approval. However, the board deferred proposals for four SEZs in Uttar Pradesh. The decision on four SEZ proposals in UP, including that of DLF and Unitech Hi-Tech, have been postponed because they do not have the possession of land. The UP government, headed by Chief Minister Mayawati, has indicated that it is not in favour of clearing the SEZs proposed during the previous regime. The promoters of these SEZs could apply afresh. Over Rs 47,732 crore have been invested in 149 notified SEZs and the projects are providing direct employment to around 40,729 people.