20 SEZs in WB get formal approval, 17 given in principle nod

KOLKATA: The Union Government has approved 20 special economic zones in West Bengal, while another 17 have been given in-principle nod, state's Industry Minister Nirupam Sen said on Wednesday.
    
The SEZs coming up in the state would have to utilise 50 per cent of the total area for processing units, and 25 per cent for creating related infrastructure, he told the assembly in reply to a question.
    
The remaining 25 per cent area could be utilised for other purposes, he said.
    
He said that the Centre did not accept the state government's formula on SEZs.
    
The existing labour laws would be enforced in SEZs in the state.
    
He said apart from SEZs, another 86 industrial projects were approved in the state in the current fiscal with an investment of over Rs 228,039 crore.
    
During 2005-06 and 2006-07, 667 projects were approved having an investment of Rs 63,883 crore.
    
To a question on rehabilitation package being offered to land losers, the minister said the state government has engaged different educational institutions for socio-economic survey to find out what was required to be given besides steps to be taken for area development.
    
The state government would formulate definite rehabilitation packages, which would vary from project to project, based on the survey.
    
To another question on providing employment in the new projects, he said the state government wanted to ensure that one member from each project-affected family received employment.