Already, a task force headed by T K A Nair, Principal Secretary to the PM, is considering seven applications from state governments for setting up such regions revolving around Petrochemical and Petroleum industries, in their respective states.

Consultations have also been held with public sector companies such as ONGC and GAIL. The states in the fray are Maharashtra (South of Mumbai and Ratnagiri), Orissa (near the Paradeep port), Andhra Pradesh (Vizag), West Bengal (Haldia), Gujarat (Dahej), Haryana (Kundli to Panipat) and Karnataka (Mangalore).

An interesting feature of these regions would be the ability of states to offer flexible labour laws within them. “This would lead to competition among the states to attract investors by offering more flexible labour laws than the others,” Dua told The Indian Express.

A Cabinet note to create a policy framework for such regions will be prepared in due course by Nair, after consultations with other ministries.

Seven states already waiting in line

• Each SER (Special Economic Region) will have special Master Plan for roads, utilities and education.

• Centre would fund upgradation of national highways in these areas, states would pitch in for state utilities and state highways.

• Task force led by T K A Nair considering 7 applications from states: Maharashtra (South of Mumbai & Ratnagiri), Orissa (near Paradeep), AP (Vizag), Bengal (Haldia), Gujarat (Dahej), Haryana (Kundli to Panipat), Karnataka (Mangalore).

• Ability of states to offer flexible labour laws in SERs.