BoA defers decision on SEZs

NEW DELHI: The Union Government today deferred decision on the SEZ proposal of Bangalore International Airport Ltd in the wake of Karnataka elections scheduled for May 10.

The Board of Approval under the Commerce Ministry at its meeting here today put off decision on 18 other proposals for want of information from developers and state governments.

"We will not be able to take up now the BIAL SEZ proposal because of the code of conduct in Karnataka where elections are taking place," a senior official said.

He said the grey area of differential tax treatment to developers and co-developers was discussed but no proposal could be cleared.

The BoA had on its agenda a total of 19 proposals, including those for IT and biotech zones by Ansal Properties and Infrastructure and an IT-ITeS zone by DLF Commercial Developer in Uttar Pradesh.

Bangalore International Airport's proposal was for a 113 hectare airport-based SEZ.

The deferred proposals would be taken up at BoA's next meeting, which is likely to be held on May 16, the official