Clearly in damage control mode amid the ongoing criticism on its SEZ policy, the Commerce Ministry met the state government representatives to decide on guidelines for land acquisition for Special Economic Zones (SEZ).

According to reports, the government has finalized detailed guidelines for developing social infrastructure such as schools, houses and hospitals in SEZs, besides setting up a criterion for developers.

The meeting comes in the wake of criticism that the SEZs have become land-grabbing opportunity for real estate sharks.

The board of approvals for SEZs, which today gave final approval to 14 more proposals taking the total number of zones approved so far to 164, has also made it mandatory for SEZ developers to invest a specific amount or have a stipulated net worth to be eligible for setting up sector specific and multi-product zones.