In a big relief for the special economic zone (SEZ) developers in the state, the Haryana government on Wednesday said it would exempt them from local taxes and cess, as given to SEZ units.
??We will extend exemption (from taxes, duty) to SEZ developers also…there is a requirement for bringing amendment in the rules (of SEZ Act)…we will push for exemption in the coming budget,?? state Industry Secretary YS Malik said during an interactive meeting of SEZ units and developers held here on Wednesday.
The state government had exempted both SEZ developers and units from payment of VAT, fee, cess or any other levies in SEZ Act. However, later it was withdrawn from developers and was restricted to SEZ units, developer said.
SEZ developers, who undertook massive investments in the state, had feared long term impact on infrastructure development of SEZs in the state.
Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs held an open house meet here to resolve their state level issues. The meet was chaired by Commerce and Industry additional secretary DK Mittal. The council has so far held 34 such open house meets in different parts of the country.
The state government has also agreed to have a single window system for providing refund of stamp duty paid on transfer of land. Many of the SEZ developers, including DLF, have pointed out that the duty refund process was very long, which blocked their funds.
In the meeting, SEZ developers including Reliance, DLF, Unitech, also sought exemption from External Development Charges.
Stating that developers have to invest more for creating eco friendly SEZs, they said that EDC charges are a deterrent for investments into manufacturing and services sectors.
In case the EDC is not withdrawn, then they recommended that developers should be allowed to make EDC payment based on phased development undertaken by them without interest payment.