Besides, SEZs to be set up in the state must have half of their areas earmarked for industrial units. "We have proposed to the Centre that in an SEZ, 50% of the area would have to be allotted for industrial units, 25% for infrastructure and the remaining 25% may be put to other commercial use. In West Bengal, sanctions for SEZs will be given in accordance with such an arrangement," said Sen.

A total of 20 proposals for SEZs in the state have received formal approval and 17 approved in principle. Besides, 86 proposals for setting up units in big and medium sectors in the state were approved in 2007-08, involving an investment of Rs 228,039 crore. In 2005-06 and 2006-07, the total number of new units approved was 667, involving an investment of Rs 63,883 crore. The estimated total employment generation in the new units would be 642,420.

Sen though added that "factories are not set up and employment is not generated the moment an MoU is signed". The government is proceeding with the objective that at least one member from each of the families, which stand to lose land for an industrial project, would be recruited there once it is complete. For this, however, the ability to work and the skills of people in these families will be taken into consideration.