In order to facilitate and expedite the process of approval for industrial projects in the state, the Punjab government will introduce a ‘single-window policy’ by next month.
According to the policy, investments to the tune of Rs 5 crore would be approved by the district industries centre while projects above Rs 5 crore would be approved in the state headquarter, wherein all mandatory approvals will be cleared within a month’s period.
Speaking to Business Standard, Anil Joshi, industry minister, said “We will introduce a ‘single-window policy’ to make the state industry-friendly. All modalities have been worked out and we will launch the policy within a fortnight.” The new policy will also provide deemed approval in case approval by the competent authority is not granted within the prescribed time schedule.
Joshi added, “The industry department will introduce the system of ‘deemed approvals.’ According to the system, the departments will have to grant approvals in a time-bound manner and in case of delay from any department, the approval from the concerned department will be treated as a deemed one.” Clearance include change of land use, grant of license, consent to establish and consent to operate by the Pollution Control Board, site clearance for hazardous industries, approval of building plans, amongst others.
He also added that the government is also creating land banks, making the single-window system more effective, and industry friendly. Besides, he mentioned the Industry Policy-2009 would be revised by taking inputs from industrialists and chambers like PHD Chamber, Assocham, CII etc.
Earlier, addressing state industrialists, during a conference on global slowdown and its impact on exports, organised by the PHD Chamber in association with Bimtech in Chandigarh, Joshi said, “Going through the export figures from 2001-02 to present, it is evident that there is a minimum growth of 10 per cent on an average in exports which is a positive sign and with the commissioning of the much-awaited Bhatinda Refinery promoted by HPCL, the export figure is going to almost double.”
