Govt notifies two new special economic zones in Puducherry

The Union Government has greenlit two new Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Puducherry, as officially notified this past Friday, signaling a renewed, targeted thrust to fortify India's industrial manufacturing and export capabilities. This move underscores New Delhi's strategic commitment to expand the country's footprint in global supply chains while simultaneously deepening self-reliance in critical sectors. The approvals, granted by the high-powered Board of Approval for SEZs, aim to attract significant investment and generate employment in the Union Territory. This expansion comes amidst a broader policy recalibration for India's SEZ regime, particularly following the ongoing deliberations around the DESH Bill, which seeks to modernize the framework and address past shortcomings. The current administration, under its "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative, is strategically leveraging SEZs to boost domestic production and diversify its export basket, moving beyond traditional sectors into high-value manufacturing and IT-enabled services. Puducherry geographical advantage and existing industrial infrastructure make it a logical choice for this development, aligning with regional growth strategies. The immediate focus will shift to land acquisition, infrastructure development within these zones, and attracting anchor investors, with the Union Territory administration playing a crucial facilitating role. Stakeholders will closely watch the incentives offered and the implementation of "Ease of Doing Business" measures to ensure these SEZs fulfill their potential in driving economic growth and integrating Puducherry more deeply into India's burgeoning industrial corridors. The success here could inform future SEZ policy across other regions.