Kakinada, September 29, 2007: People affected by the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) are in for a better package than the one announced under the Resettlement and Rehabilitation policy of the government, according to sources in the SEZ management. The major aspect in the package is the payment of compensation in cash not only for the house but also to the site on which it is built. While those losing the house will be provided a house site measuring 150 sq. metres each in the rehabilitation colony, more benefits are being offered to families below the poverty line. (more…)

Sandeep Joshi

New Delhi, September 30, 2007: Though the special economic zone (SEZ) developers are happy with the basic framework of policies and norms formulated by the Centre, the lack of cooperation from the State Government and some policy-related matters and operational issues have become a matter of concern for them. (more…)

Calcutta, September 27, 2007: Jai Balaji Sponge Ltd will invest Rs 450 crore in its proposed special economic zone (SEZ) for steel processing near Durgapur. The company, which recently changed its name to Jai Balaji Industries Ltd, also plans to develop a 5mt steel plant in Purulia at an investment of Rs 16,000 crore. (more…)

Patrik Oskarsson and Manshi Asher

Local communities dependent on agriculture have in the past year and a half come out in vehement opposition to the acquisition of land for Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Examples abound from Nandigram in West Bengal to Raigad in Maharashtra, Jhajjhar in Haryana and Nandagudi in Karnataka. The SEZ policy is the government’s most recent tool to spur economic growth. (more…)