Sorting out the SEZ muddle

The Commerce Ministry has finally decided to scrap eight special economic zones (SEZs) already approved in Goa. Also, show cause notices have been issued to nine developers. This follows intense pressure from the Government of Goa, which has argued that these SEZs would put pressure on the state’s infrastructure.

However, there is still a difference of views between the Commerce Ministry and the Goa government on the status of three notified SEZs. Talking to BT, Commerce Secretary G.K. Pillai said: “We are discussing the matter with the Goa government. The matter had been referred to the Law Ministry and it has pointed out that compensation will have to be paid to developers by the state before we can think of denotifying them.”

— Rishi Joshi