Exited SEZs can use 40% land for residential and business purpose

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Legislative Assembly tonight approved amendment to the state industry law enabling special economic zones (SEZs) that have exited to use 40 per cent of land for residential and commercial purposes.

Before the bill, moved by Industry Minister Narayan Rane, was approved, opposition members said the amendments were against interests of farmers.

They demanded that 12 per cent of the developed land be given to farmers and the bill be sent to the joint select committee for a review.

Earlier this year, the state cabinet approved a new Industry Policy that allowed SEZs to exit and replace these outgoing projects with integrated Industrial areas (IIAs).

Of the 146 notified SEZs in Maharashtra, only 17 are operational, while 22 have been de-notified or withdrawn because of changes in the Centre's tax policy.