What sort of SEZs to study?

A typology
The following criteria might be kept in mind while selecting SEZs for intensive study:

1. The area/region in which the SEZ is sited. We should ensure adequate and representative coverage of different parts of the country.

2. The resource base and aim of the SEZ: is it mineral-based, forest-based, IT-driven, a private city, or some other?

3. How large is the SEZ? We should ensure that we study some multi-product SEZs and some single-product ones.

4. Who is the developer? We should look for patterns of private decision-making, for instance by studying Reliance in both Raigad and Jhajjar.

5. Is an MNC involved in SEZ investment? Given the external orientation of the economy, the fact that FDI is one of the arguments being given to defend SEZs, and that China had large doses of FDI in SEZs, it is important to look at this.

6. Are there major issues in land acquisition? We should study enough SEZs which have faced great public opposition to land acquisition (like Nandigram) and then some (like Mahindra SEZ near Chennai) which haven’t.

7. Any other factor which may influence choice of SEZ to study. This could involve such practical matters as availability of information, locational convenience for researchers, impact on Dalits/tribals/women, or some other.

To ensure that we don’t re-invent the wheel, please check with others on the CRC network before setting out to study an SEZ whether someone is already doing it.