The Rajya Sabha on June 27 cleared the Special Economic Zones (Amendment) Bill, 2019, that seeks to allow trusts to set up units in special economic zones, a day after the Lok Sabha passed the measure .
The Bill will replace the Special Economic Zones (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019, promulgated in March.
The Opposition parties had criticised the government for issuing the ordinance, which allowed trusts to open units in the SEZs, just days before the general election was announced.
Replying to the debate, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the government had issued the ordinance because of the continuous disruption in Parliament.
“This is a small amendment that has a large impact on investment, job and growth,” he said.
“Until now, We have eight proposals from such trusts. The total investment proposed by these trusts comes to ₹8,000 crore,” Mr. Goyal said. The government expected $3 billion, or ₹20,000 crore, in investments.
