Abstract:
The performance of seven conventional Indian special economic zones (SEZs) at the
disaggregate level is analysed within the framework of the zone-trade performance
index, for the period between 1986–87 and 2007–08. The analysis reveals variations
in performance across zones as well as within the zones over the reference period. The
variations in performance are found to be statistically signifi cant as well. The zones
specifi cally located in economically developed states performed better than the zones in
other states. This reveals the pressing problem of regional disparities fi nding refl ection
in the SEZs structure and calls for policy intervention. Further, zones are found to be
equally sensitive to external economic fl uctuations. On the positive side, the introduction
of the SEZs policy in 2000–01 has had a favourable impact on the performance of these
enclaves.
