Author: Desai R S

Place: Mumbai

Publisher: Mill Mazdoor Welfare Trust

Year: 2009

Pages: 75

Subject: Bombay/ Mumbai

Sub-Subject: Bombay

Keyword: SEZ, National Development, Inclusive Growth, Empowerment

Classification: 330

Shelf: C2R2

Accession No: B809

Contents: Introduction 1- SEZ- An Outdated Model of Development 2- SEZ- Export Led Growth 3- SEZ & Free Trade Under WTO 4- Food Security 5- Land Acquisition- A Major Bone of Contention 6- Resettlement & Rehabilitation 7- SEZ Regime- Anti People & Anti-Labour 8- Labour in EPZ/ SEZ 9- Misappropriation of Concessions & Cost Benefit Analysis 10- Employment Growth- A Myth 11- Peoples Resistance Movement Against SEZ 12- An Alternative to SEZ Some Valuable Statements/ Opinions Annexures

Abstract: This paper critically evaluates Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India, highlighting the gap between their promises and actual outcomes. Although promoted for export-led growth, SEZs have become an outdated development model amid changing global trade conditions. The study examines issues of food security, extensive land acquisition, weak rehabilitation, and rising people’s resistance. It also exposes anti-labour practices, misuse of fiscal concessions, and the failure to deliver meaningful employment growth. The paper argues for alternative, inclusive, and sustainable development approaches, concluding that India must reassess the SEZ framework due to its significant social and economic shortcomings.