GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 4557

ANSWERED ON:19.12.2014

INCENTIVES TO SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES

Shrirang Appa Barne

(a) whether the Government has provided any financial relief under the tax exemption system to the industrial units set up in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government is working out a fresh package of tax and non-tax incentives to revive SEZs in the country;

(c) if so, the details and the present status thereof;

(d) whether the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has held any discussion with the Ministry of Finance and submitted any proposal to the Ministry of Finance in this regard; and

(e) if so, the details thereof along with the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken in the matter?

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYbe pleased to state:- 

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

(INDEPENDENT CHARGE)

(SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

(a): The fiscal concessions and duty benefits allowed to Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are in built into the SEZs Act, 2005 and Rules thereunder. These exemptions are uniformly applicable to all SEZs and are in the nature of incentives for export and are consistent with the principles that guide export promotion initiatives of the Government in general.

(b) to (e): Ongoing review and reform, as necessary, of Government policy and procedure is inherent to Public Policy. The Government, on the basis of inputs/suggestions received from stakeholders on the policy and operational framework of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Scheme, periodically reviews the policy and operational framework of SEZs and is presently engaged in inter-ministerial consultations for finalization of a proposal to make dual utilization of facilities in Non-Processing Area of SEZs by both SEZ as well as DTA entities.