Criticism: The Audit and the Real Estate Question

The Comptroller and Auditor General found that many notified SEZ lands were idle and that tax revenue was lost, raising questions about value for money.

Were zones worth it?

Audit

A 2014 audit found large areas of notified land unused and significant revenue foregone.

Real estate

Some zones became property plays rather than export hubs.

Arguments for

Supporters argue that zones brought exports, jobs and investment that would otherwise not have arrived.

Balanced view

Results varied widely across zones.

An empty plot

Land set aside for a zone lies vacant for years.

Taking one side entirely

Results were mixed.

Key takeaways

An audit found idle land.
Revenue was foregone.
Supporters cite exports and jobs.
Results were mixed.