Publication of notification of M/s. Kumar Builders Township Ventures Pvt. Ltd. for full denotification of their Electronic Hardware and Software including IT/ITES SEZ at Hinjewadi, Pune notified over an area of 10.968 hectares

## Report on Notification Regarding Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Hinjewadi, Pune **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce, on September 2, 2022, regarding a sector-specific Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for Electronic Hardware and Software including Information Technology and Information Technology-enabled Services at Hinjewadi, Pune. The notification rescinds a previous notification that established the SEZ. The core purpose is to denotify the entire area of the SEZ, following a proposal from Ms. Ashdan Township Ventures Pvt. Ltd. (formerly Ms. Kumar Builders Township Ventures Pvt. Ltd.) and a No Objection Certificate from the Government of Maharashtra, which intends to develop the land as an Integrated Township Project. The key finding is that the SEZ project, as originally envisioned, is being abandoned in favor of an Integrated Township Project. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the notification S.O. 4134(E), issued on September 2, 2022, concerning the denotification of a Special Economic Zone at Hinjewadi, Pune. The analysis is based solely on the information provided within the notification text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment:** This notification amends the original notification S.O. 2874(E) dated 12th December, 2008, which initially notified an area of 10.968 hectares as a sector-specific Special Economic Zone at Hinjewadi, Pune. * **Core Objective:** The core objective of this notification is to rescind the previous notification, effectively denotifying the designated SEZ area. This is driven by a proposal from the developing company and supported by the Government of Maharashtra. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Amendment:** The amendment is being made because Ms. Ashdan Township Ventures Pvt. Ltd., the developer, has proposed to denotify the SEZ. The Government of Maharashtra supports this proposal and intends to develop the land as an Integrated Township Project under their Integrated Township Policy. The original SEZ plan is being abandoned in favor of this new project. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * This notification rescinds the *entire* previous notification S.O. 2874(E) dated 12th December, 2008, which designated 10.968 hectares as a Special Economic Zone. * The *new* rule/provision is the *removal* of the SEZ designation. This means that the area will no longer be subject to the regulations and benefits associated with SEZ status. * The *difference* is that the land will no longer be developed as a Special Economic Zone. Instead, it will be developed as an Integrated Township Project by the Government of Maharashtra under their promulgated policy. The *effect* of this change is a shift in the developmental direction of the land, from an electronics-focused SEZ to a broader integrated township. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this change include: * **Ms. Ashdan Township Ventures Pvt. Ltd. (formerly Ms. Kumar Builders Township Ventures Pvt. Ltd.):** The company originally designated to develop the SEZ is directly affected as their plans are altered. * **Businesses considering establishing operations within the SEZ:** These businesses are affected as the SEZ will no longer be available. * **The Government of Maharashtra:** As they are now planning to develop the land as an Integrated Township Project. * **The Development Commissioner, SEEPZ Special Economic Zone:** While they recommended the denotification, they are affected as they no longer have oversight responsibility for this specific zone. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies mentioned:** The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce, is responsible for issuing the notification. The Government of Maharashtra will oversee the development of the Integrated Township Project. The Development Commissioner, SEEPZ Special Economic Zone, had a role in recommending the denotification. * **Timelines or procedures specified in the text:** No specific timelines or procedures for the denotification process or the implementation of the Integrated Township Project are specified in the text. * This amendment means the land development plans can commence under the direction of the Maharashtra government. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this change is to facilitate the development of an Integrated Township Project instead of the originally planned Special Economic Zone. The potential impact of the amendment includes: * A shift in the economic focus of the development from primarily electronics and IT to a more diversified integrated township model. * Potential creation of residential, commercial, and other facilities within the Integrated Township Project. * Changes in the types of jobs and economic opportunities created in the area. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 4134(E) signifies a significant shift in the development plans for the 10.968-hectare area at Hinjewadi, Pune. By rescinding the original notification and denotifying the Special Economic Zone, the Central Government, with the support of the Government of Maharashtra, has paved the way for the development of an Integrated Township Project. This change will impact the stakeholders mentioned and likely lead to a diversified economic development model for the area. The significance lies in the government's responsiveness to proposals from developers and its willingness to adapt development plans based on evolving economic priorities and local government initiatives.

Key Entities Referenced