Bhubaneswar: Odisha currently has five operational Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which have together attracted investments worth over ₹22,800 crore and generated employment for more than 18,000 people, the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday.
Responding to a question raised by MP Debashish Samantray, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada stated that as of March 31, 2025, the total employment generated by these SEZs stands at 18,321, while the cumulative investment received amounts to ₹22,828.68 crore.
The minister clarified that no new SEZ proposals from Odisha are currently under consideration by the Centre. He added that under the SEZ Act, 2005, proposals for new SEZs must be recommended by the respective State Governments before they can be evaluated by the Board of Approval.
Addressing a related concern, the Minister also confirmed that there are no non-operational SEZs in the state at present, indicating that all approved SEZs are functional.
The SEZ model, established under the SEZ Act, 2005, is largely driven by private investment, although joint ventures with state or central governments are also permitted. These zones are designed to promote exports, boost industrial output, and create employment through policy incentives and infrastructure support.
