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KCR fast-tracks mega projects in Telangana

‘Right to Timely Clearances’ will ensure quick approvals.

Hyderabad — Billed as the first such initiative in the country, the Telangana government has unveiled the ‘Right to Timely Clearances’, on the lines of Right to Information, as part the new industrial policy aimed at ensuring time-bound, transparent and hassle-free permissions for industrial projects.

The new policy, announced by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao at a glittering event in Hyderabad in the presence of a galaxy of industry leaders, envisages clearances in two weeks for all mega projects involving a minimum investment of Rs2 billion while those with less than Rs2 billion investment would get clearances in 30 days.

A key feature of the policy is the TS-iPASS (Telangana State Industrial Project Approval and Self-certification System) which calls for penal action against the officials responsible for delaying the process of applications.

The CM made the presentation at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre before a 2,000 strong gathering comprising corporate honchos and representatives of the public sector undertakings and industry associations like the Confederation of Indian Industry and Federation Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

The Industrial Policy framework, which was passed by the assembly in November last year, promises to offer minimum inspection and maximum facilitation. The policy prescribes norms for giving permissions to mega projects (with investments of Rs2 billion and above), large (Rs100 million to Rs2 billion) and small and medium project proposals.

Self-certification, single window clearance, minimum inspection and maximum facilitation, a single common online application form for investment proposals and a one-point designated nodal officer are among the other highlights of the industrial policy.

While encouraging industrial applicants to seek self-certification, the policy, however, makes them liable for penal action in case of any fraud. The new policy identifies 14 thrust areas including life sciences, defence, aerospace, IT hardware, automobile, food processing and engineering and capital goods.

The ‘Right To Timely Clearances’ clause will enable the applicant to know the reasons for the delay besides imposing penalties on the designated officers of the competent authority. “This new industrial policy not only ensures time-bound permissions but also provides government assistance to the entrepreneurs in setting up industries without any hurdles,” the chief minister said.

The government would also propose sector-specific incentives through separate orders from time to time aimed at retaining existing investments and attracting large fresh ones. Telangana already has a dedicated land bank of 1,500 billion acres and set aside 148 industrial parks across the state and 27 special economic zones in and around Hyderabad for allotment to the prospective entrepreneurs.

The policy also came up with special incentives for entrepreneurs belonging to women and SC and STs. It mandates the TS Industrial Infrastructure Corporation to secure statutory clearances for industrial parks.  The government also plans to develop industrial townships to make it easier to get to work.

Key features of new industrial policy:

1.  Online system for filling and issue of clearances.

2. Common application form that captures requirements from different government departments.

3. Self-certification

4. Deemed approvals if permissions not given in prescribed time slots.

5. Right to timely clearances.

6. Penal actions against officials if failed to give permissions in time.

7. Ten per cent water reserved for industries from all irrigation sources.

8. A land bank of 15 billion acres created for allotment to industries.

news@khaleejtimes.com