South India Leads in SEZs.

South India has emerged as leading region of India in promoting and developing special economic zones. These tax-free zones provide infrastructure and financial facilities to industries across various sectors.

In four South Indian states there are 79 functional SEZs; out of 130 total approved. Andhra Pradesh is leading with 32 operational special economic zones, while Tamil Nadu has 22, Karnataka has 20 followed by Kerala which has 7 SEZs.

Out of 130 SEzs, a significant percentage belongs to IT/ITES and electronic hardware sectors. There are 75 such SEZs in India. Indian Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jyotiraditya Scindia said in a written reply in Lok Sabha about these details. He stated, "An investment of Rs. 1.95 lakh crore has been made in SEZs."

Scindia stated that a total of 130 SEZs have commenced exports. He further stated that if we look sector wise, IT sector occupies majority of the SEZs.

These details came at a time when Tax exemptions on Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) are coming to at an end at the end of this fiscal year. SEZ promoters are trying hard to extend these exemptions and Commerce Ministry has also joined them in their effort. SEZs contribute 26% of the total exports in the India.

Source : topnews.in