Evaluate the success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in reducing regional imbalances.

[boxed] Evaluating success:

P. Positives:

(i) Large scale land acquisition for implementation of SEZs.

(ii) Increased FDIs & investment in the SEZs, like Upraad GIFT city.

(iii) Enhancement of exports from these SEZs with increased manufacturing capabilities.

(iv) Economic growth & employment to locals, trans (region per capita)

(v) Improved infrastructure, thus enhancing regional connectivity.

[boxed] Limitations:

(i) Regional concentration in the erstwhile industrialised region of west & south India

(Backward effect as implied) [diagram showing SEZ Foodistribution marked in south and west].

(ii) Lopsided development with majority FDIs in western [states]

(iii) Misuse of loopholes with only using these for tax & duty evasion.

(iv) Along the industrialised corridor leading behind the revenue vicky eastern & leg industrialised northern states.

[boxed: Ways to improve]

(i) Policy overhaul to decentralize the development to underdeveloped region.

Thus SEZs can also as centres of growth (Penoux) to mitigate regional imbalances.

— Rohin Kumar