New act to empower single window in Orissa

The Orissa government has decided to introduce a new act, in the name of Industrial Facilitation Act, 2004, which will empower and enumerate the modalities of implementation of single window system for early clearance of projects in the state.

"A bill to this effect will be presented in the assembly giving statutory status to the single window system", said a highly placed source in the industries department.

Single window system for early and hassle free clearance of industrial projects was one of the important features of the Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR), 2001, prepared in coordination with UNIDO.

Subsequently, the Industrial Infrastructure Advisory Committee of Orissa government, headed by chief secretary, had approved the draft of the proposed Act, which proposed three tiers of single window clearance depending on the size and content of the project.

The draft also proposed package of incentive to mega projects including special industrial promotion assistance linked with sales tax, exemption from entry tax for imports through ports in Orissa and zero per cent Central Sales Tax for inter-state sales.

Meanwhile, a decision to enact the framework for implementation of the single window system was taken at a meeting presided over by industries minister Biswabhusan Harichandan here recently. The new act will help in attracting investors to the state, the minister said.

The meeting also reviewed progress of different projects including the proposed oil refinery at Paradip.

The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has already spent Rs 1,000 crore on the refinery project and the state government has provided necessary tax incentives besides the making available 3,347 acres of land for it. Project work will be expedited after the IOC board okays it.

Establishment of special economic zones at Gopalpur and Paradip was reviewed at the meeting. The state government has provided 2,500 acres of land at both the places for the projects. A three member high-level committee headed by industries secretary Ajit Tripathy was constituted to expedite the process.

The divestment policy of the government was also reviewed. The government had decided to divest its stake in Hirakud Industrial Works, Idcol Rolling Mill, Idcol Ferrochrome and Alloys and SN Corporation, ABS Spinning Mill, Orichem, Idcol Piping and Engineering and Konark Jute.

Among others Ipicol chairman Priyabrata Patnaik, Idcol chairman Nikunja Sundar Ray and other senior officials attended the meeting.