While the  STPI Scheme may have expired, West Bengal is looking forward to extend it as an alternative to SEZ. It is awaiting response from Central Government in order to extend the benefits of STPI to IT Giant Infosys. The STPI scheme had expired in March 2011.
Infosys has claimed a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status for the project, but the state government has rejected it, saying it was not in conformity with the state policies.
Replying to a question in the assembly, Industries and Information Technology Minister Partha Chatterjee said the scheme could be extended to benefit IT companies seeking SEZ status.
He said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and he had requested Union Minister for Commerce and Industries Anand Sharma that the scheme, which expired in March 2011, be extended.
Infosys purchased 50 acres for the project in Rajarhat on the northeastern fringes of the city, for Rs.1.5 crore per acre. The company also made the payment in full in October last year.
Earlier this year, it wrote to the government seeking clarification on its SEZ status, which was turned down by the government.
Despite a series of discussions, the issue remains unresolved, making the project’s future uncertain.