Nagpur: Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) has been issued a strongly-worded letter pointing out at a number of irregularities in Mihan-special economic zone (Mihan-SEZ). It has been suggested to take up a vigilance inquiry into the matters cited in the communication.
The letter is on behalf of ministry of commerce, which is represented by the office of development commissioner (DC) in the SEZs. Development commissioner is a post designated for each special economic zone and the office ensures compliance of the SEZ-related laws. State government company — MADC — is the developer of Mihan-SEZ.
It has been pointed out that close to six companies have been allowed to wind up and vacate the premises in the SEZ, without mandatory intimation to the customs department or getting a no dues certificate from the DC’s office.
The letter mentions it to be gross violation of the SEZ rules pointing out that the matter can be taken up before the anti-corruption bureau (ACB) or Lokayukta.
Specific examples of the units that had been allowed to wind up without proper permission from the authorities have been given in the communication.
Sources said if a unit vacates the SEZ without completing the formalities, it leads to a major violation. This is because SEZ is a tax-free area, so every raw material and finished product has to be accounted for before leaving.
Citing a case, the communication says a pharmaceutical company had left the premises after it could not pay the MADC rentals. However, it happened without intimation and securing a no dues certificate. Later, there was a fire on the premises leaving little scope for investigation, say sources.
Another firm, which was reported to have purchased duty-free inputs to the tune of Rs7 lakh, wound up in a similar manner. Some of the units have got no dues certificate and other relevant approvals after having left, said sources.
On one hand, if units are quietly leaving, those wanting to enter are facing delay in completion of formalities, says the communication.
This includes Kaplana Saroj Aviation, which conducted ground-breaking ceremony for the site to make an aircraft engine maintenance facility. The letter says it awaits approvals for carrying out further work.
The letter also raises the issue of delay by MADC in granting lease even after rest of the clearances have been given by the ministry of commerce. For example, an overseas education consultancy firm got provisional letter of allotment in October last year, but rest of the process remains to be done, said sources. Another unit, which gives preference to employing women, is also awaiting nod for six months. The sources added that the letter mentions the case of a unit on whose land drainage pipes have been laid.
FacebookTwitterLinkedinEMail
.