In what manner is the Special Economic Zone Authority constituted ? State the functions of the Special Economic Zone Authority under the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005.

Special Economic Zone Authority Section 31 of the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005 dealing with the Constitution of Authority empowers the Central Government to constitute by notification in the Official Gazette, an Authority for every SEZ to exercise powers conferred on and discharge the functions assigned to it. In the case of an existing SEZ established by the Central Government the Central Government has been empowered to establish such authority within six months from the date of commencement of the Act, it is further provided that the person or authority (including Development Commissioner) which is exercising control over on existing SEZ, shall Continue to do so till the authority is constituted. Section 31 (2) provides that every authority shall be a body corporate by name as assigned, having perpetual succession and a common seal, with power to acquire, hold and dispose of property, both movable and immovable and to contract and shall sue and be sued. Section 31 (9) stipulates that no act or proceedings of an authority shall be invalidated merely by reason of: any vacancy in or any defect; any defect in the appointment of a person as its member; or any irregularity in the procedure of the authority not affecting the merits of the case. Functions of Authority Section 34 of the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005 casts upon the Authority a duty to undertake such measures as it thinks fit for the development, operation and management of the respective Special Economic Zone. Section 34(2) provides for following measures: the development of infrastructure in the Special Economic Zone; promoting exports from the Special Economic Zone; reviewing the functioning and performance of the Special Economic Zone; levy, user or service charges or fees or rent for the use of properties belonging to the Authority; Performing such other functions as may be prescribed.