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Falta Special Economic Zone (earlier Falta Export Processing Zone) was set up by the Department of Commerce, Government of India in 1984. The Zonal Office of Development Commissioner, Falta SEZ has jurisdiction over the 12 states of West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh ,Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. BE spoke to Deen Bandhu Singh, Development Commissioner, Falta Special Economic Zone about the current scenario and the impact of the Falta SEZ.

Q. How is Falta SEZ ideal for domestic and foreign investors and investments?

Falta Special Economic Zone is spread over 280 acres of land in the District of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, in a pollution-free sylvan environment, about 55 kilometres from Kolkata city.

It is connected by a two-lane National Highway No. 117. Diamond Harbour Railway Station is the nearest railway station, about 19 km from the SEZ. Kolkata and Haldia are the closest seaports, at about 46 km and 48 km, respectively. The nearest airport is the Kolkata Airport, located 65 km from Falta.

The following facilities are readily available in the Zone:

a)FSEZ offers a truly supportive environment by providing simplified procedures. This is especially so in the clearance of matters relating to industrial approval, foreign collaborations etc., under a single-window clearance system.

b)Facilitation and documentation services: The office of the Development Commissioner serves as the single-window office for all the routine requirements of the units in the zone, including customs.

c)Industrial sheds (area 6,500 sq.mt.) and Standard Design Factory (SDF) buildings (area 15,570 sq.mt.) are available at very low lease rent.

d)Developed plots of various sizes are available in the zone to meet the requirements of industries, at a nominal lease rent.

e)There is easy availability of semi-skilled/unskilled workforce, from the vicinity at a relatively low rate.

f)Quality and stable power supply: The WBSEDCL assures uninterrupted power supply for industries to be set up in the zone, through its 132KV service station within the zone with provision for further dedicated service lines for individual units at 33/11 KV.

g)Water supply: A well-knit distribution system within the zone ensures a 24-hour water supply.

h)Container handling jetty: To facilitate smooth and quick movement of cargo/container, an independent cargo/container handling jetty is going to be operational near the Zone ver soon in association with Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority, Kolkata.

Q. What are the industries operational at Falta in Falta SEZ?

There are multiple category of industries operating from Falta SEZ. These are related to solar module & cell manufacturing, engineering goods manufacturing, electronics and hardware,  leather, footwear and industrial safety garment manufacturing, food and agro industry, chemicals, plastic and rubber, textiles & jute, garments, packaging, trading and services, etc. Many industries have been set up inside the zone with a considerable amount of investment.

Q. Talk about the role of Falta SEZ in its overall socio-economic impact on the people of the State/region.

Falta SEZ provides direct employment to about 6,000 people among which about 15% are women. In addition, many more are getting indirect employment in activities related to services catering to the requirements of the Zone like construction, transport, labour supply, catering etc. This is directly helping in adding to the earnings of the concerned families and in improving their living conditions.

For the benefit of the industrial employees and common people of the region, FSEZ has developed many more facilities. These include housing facilities at two locations near the Zone, an Employees State Insurance Corporation-run dispensary in the Sector-II housing area, a Technical Training Institute for training and skill upgradation of local youth near Sector-III etc. In addition, a Shopping-cum-Market Complex has been planned near the Sector-II gate.

This way the Zone is contributing significantly in the overall development of socio-economic conditions of the people of the State/region.

Q. Discuss the contribution of the Falta SEZ to the economy of the Nation.

 The primary goal of SEZs is to promote export, attract investment, facilitate industrial development and generate employment. In Falta SEZ, an estimated 6,000 people are directly employed. Further, many more are getting indirect employment in activities related to services catering to the requirements of the Zone like construction, transport, labour supply, catering etc. In the year 2023-24, Falta SEZ achieved an export turnover of ` 2400 Crores approx. Around ` 1717 Crores of investment has been made by the entrepreneurs in Falta SEZ till December 2024. Falta SEZ has played a major role in ameliorating the social and financial conditions of the people living in and around this area.