Five files related to central government SEZs could not be traced

NEW DELHI: Five files related to setting up of central government special economic zones ( SEZs), which are 30-50 years old, could not be located by the Department of Commerce, Parliament was informed today.

The Comptroller and Auditor General in its report for 2012-13 on performance of special economic zones (SEZs) has observed that 47 files were not produced to audit.

"On scrutiny, it has been found that all the files except 5 are available in the department and were made available to the audit. The remaining 5 files relating to setting up of central government SEZs which are 30-50 years old, could not be located," Commerce and industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

She said that as per record retention schedule of the Department, the retention period of these files has expired.

On a question about SEZ land, the Minister said since land is a state subject, state governments are free to frame any law/rule on the subject.

"If any violation of SEZ provisions are noticed action is taken under the SEZ laws," she added.

In 2014-15, exports from these zones stood at Rs 4.63 lakh crore.