Publication of notification of Neogen Properties Private Limited, for Special Economic Zone for Apparel at Thumkunta and Gollapuram Villages, Hindupur Mandal, Anantapur District, in the State of Andhra Pradesh for Full Denotification of 141.65 Ha

## Report on Amendment to Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Policy **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce, SEZ Division, published in the Gazette of India on June 23, 2025. The notification pertains to the denotification of a previously approved Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for Apparel in Andhra Pradesh. This amendment rescinds an earlier notification that had established the SEZ. Key findings indicate the SEZ developer, Ms. Neogen Properties Private Limited, requested the denotification, which was supported by the State Government of Andhra Pradesh and recommended by the Development Commissioner, Visakhapatnam Special Economic Zone. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of a specific amendment to the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) policy, as evidenced by a notification published in the Gazette of India on June 23, 2025. This analysis is based solely on the information contained within the provided notification text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment:** This notification amends the Special Economic Zones Rules, 2006, specifically referencing rule 8. It also implicitly amends the original notification S.O. 966 E dated 13th June, 2007, which established the SEZ. * **Core Objective(s):** The original objective was to establish a Special Economic Zone for Apparel. The amendment’s objective is to *reverse* that decision, effectively denotifying the SEZ. **4. Background and Rationale:** This amendment likely addresses a situation where the established Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for Apparel is no longer deemed viable or desirable by the developer and the relevant government bodies. The denotification request by Ms. Neogen Properties Private Limited suggests a change in business plans or project feasibility. The "No Objection Certificate" from the Andhra Pradesh government indicates alignment on this decision, likely considering broader regional development goals. The Development Commissioner's recommendation further supports the denotification. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The notification rescinds the previous notification (S.O. 966 E dated 13th June, 2007) that had established the SEZ, under the powers conferred by the first proviso to rule 8 of the Special Economic Zones Rules 2006. * **New Rule/Provision (Effectively):** The previous designation of 141.65 hectares at Thumkunta and Gollapuram Villages, Hindupur Mandal, Anantapur District, in the State of Andhra Pradesh, as a Special Economic Zone for Apparel is revoked (except for actions already taken). The land parcel will now conform to Land Use Guidelines/master plans of the State Government. * **Difference/Effect of the Change:** This amendment effectively nullifies the SEZ status of the specified area. The land is no longer subject to SEZ regulations and reverts to being governed by the standard land use regulations and master plans of the Andhra Pradesh government. This removes the benefits and obligations associated with SEZ status for the developer and potentially impacts investment and development plans for the area. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The direct target audience and stakeholders affected by this amendment include: * **Ms. Neogen Properties Private Limited:** The company that originally proposed and was granted the SEZ status. * **State Government of Andhra Pradesh:** As the land reverts to state control and planning regulations. * **Local communities in Thumkunta and Gollapuram Villages:** The denotification may impact local development plans and economic opportunities in the area. * **Potential investors and businesses:** Who may have been considering operating within the SEZ. * **Visakhapatnam Special Economic Zone:** As the Development Commissioner recommended the proposal for denotification. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Central Government (Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce, SEZ Division) is responsible for issuing the notification and rescinding the previous one. The State Government of Andhra Pradesh played a role in providing the No Objection Certificate. The Development Commissioner, Visakhapatnam Special Economic Zone has an advisory/recommendatory role. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The denotification is effective immediately upon the publication of the notification, with the exception of actions already taken or omitted before the rescission. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this amendment is to allow for alternative land use and development plans for the designated area, deemed more beneficial or feasible than the originally planned Apparel SEZ. The impact of the amendment includes: * **For Ms. Neogen Properties Private Limited:** The company is relieved of the obligations and benefits associated with operating an SEZ in that location. * **For the State Government of Andhra Pradesh:** The land is now available for development under the State's existing land use guidelines and master plans. * **For the Local Economy:** The impact is uncertain but depends on the subsequent development plans for the area. The denotification could potentially lead to a more diversified economic base, or conversely, it might represent a missed opportunity for specialized apparel manufacturing. **9. Conclusion:** The notification published on June 23, 2025, represents a significant change in the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) policy regarding a specific Apparel SEZ in Andhra Pradesh. By rescinding the earlier notification, the government has effectively denotified the zone, freeing up the land for alternative development plans. This amendment reflects a change in circumstances or priorities, with potential implications for the developer, the state government, and the local communities. It is crucial for stakeholders to understand the impact of this denotification and adjust their plans accordingly.

Key Entities Referenced