Mukesh Ambani ‘s plans for three IT SEZ in Navi Mumbai has been approved while the decision is pending for all proposals for Uttar Pradesh. The Board of Approval (BoA) has given approval to many IT specific Special Economic Zones (SEZs). TCS was among others who benefitted from the decision in the Board Meeting held today.

Formal approval was granted to 10 SEZ schemes out of 19 proposals considered by Board of Approval. The Board, setup by Ministry of Commerce, postponed the decision regarding SEZ schemes in Uttar Pradesh as no government official was present in the meeting and the land was not yet acquired by developers of these schemes.

In a statement, Mr. G.K. Pillai, Chairman BoA said, "Three IT SEZs in Navi Mumbai and have been granted formal clearances."

TCS got approval for its SEZ in Gujarat. The SEZ proposal of Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation was also approved in the meeting help on Tuesday.

So far, formal approvals have been granted to 386 SEZ schemes. SEZ schemes have already attracted investments worth US $ 11.45 billion. SEZ schemes are offering employment to more than 40 thousand skilled and non skilled workers.

Mr. Pillai added that the Approvals for nearly 100 SEZs may be void as they have not been approved by state governments. Promoters of all these schemes can apply again if they are confident about getting approval from state governments. The BoA has no problem is considering them again.

Regarding the proposals from Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Pillai said, "All proposals for setting up SEZs in Uttar Pradesh have been deferred since they did not have the possession of the land. Also, there was no official from the state government present."