In order to impart stability to Special Economic Zones (SEZs) regime and to achieve generation of greater economic activity and employment through the establishment of SEZs, Special Economic Zones Act, 2005 had been enacted in June, 2005 supported by SEZs Rules, 2006. The main objectives of the SEZs Act are:-

a)        generation of additional economic activity;

b)        promotion of exports of goods and services;

c)        promotion of investment from domestic and foreign sources;

d)        creation of employment opportunities;

e)        development of infrastructure facilities.

Employment generated and Investment made in Special Economic Zones during the last three years is as under:

Financial Year(s)	Employment* (Persons)	Investment* (Rs. in crore)
2011-2012	8,44,916	2,01,875
2012-2013	10,74,904	2,36,717
2013-2014	12,83,309	2,96,663

* calculated on cumulative basis.

The information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

Employment generation in SEZs supports investment and export promotion under the SEZ Act to stimulate jobs. The SEZ Act, 2005 with the SEZ Rules, 2006 provides a statutory framework to promote exports, attract domestic and foreign investment, create employment, and develop infrastructure in SEZs; reported cumulative figures for employment and investment over a recent three year period demonstrate increasing job creation and capital formation and were disclosed via a ministerial written reply.